Plate 15: mid-bust of a young woman in profile wearing a hat topped with feathers, from 'The Book for Learning to Draw' (Livre pour apprendre à dessiner) 1644 - 1654

This is Plate 15, a mid-bust drawing of a young woman in profile, made by Stefano della Bella as part of ‘The Book for Learning to Draw’. Created during a time of rigid social hierarchies, such images served as tools for artists and amateurs to learn the established styles of portraiture, reinforcing notions of beauty and status. This idealized representation reflects the period’s fascination with classical forms, yet it also subtly encodes the subject's social standing through her refined features and elaborate attire. Consider the role of women in the 17th century, often confined to domestic roles, their identities closely tied to appearance and decorum. This drawing, while seemingly a simple study, participates in the construction of femininity, offering both an aspirational image and a set of standards to emulate. The delicate lines and focus on ornamentation invite us to contemplate the complex interplay between art, identity, and social expectation.