Head of Woman 1600 - 1700

This drawing, Head of Woman, was created by an anonymous artist. Note the elaborate hairstyle of the woman depicted here. It echoes styles seen in ancient Roman portraiture, particularly in depictions of empresses and noblewomen. The coiffure acts as a symbolic marker of status and power. This motif reappears throughout art history. Consider the hairstyles in Renaissance portraits, or even in 18th-century depictions of the French court. The way hair is styled and adorned serves as a powerful signifier of identity and societal role. The subtle turn of the woman’s head, combined with her composed expression, gives a glimpse into her inner thoughts and emotions. It is a silent, psychological drama playing out on paper, engaging us on a deeply human level. It reminds us that these symbols constantly evolve, carrying echoes of the past into the present.