Standing Woman Wearing a Hat 16th-17th century

Curator: This is Federico Zuccaro's "Standing Woman Wearing a Hat," currently held at the Harvard Art Museums. It’s undated. Editor: It's delicately rendered; almost dreamlike. I wonder what sort of paper and graphite Zuccaro used to obtain such translucence. Curator: Consider the hat, adorned with flowers. It's not merely decorative; it might symbolize fertility, a connection to nature, or perhaps even social standing within her community. Editor: Yes, but also look at the economy of line. The hatching suggests rapid execution, maybe a study for a larger composition, and how much would those materials have cost him? Curator: I see the slight upward gaze as suggesting aspiration, perhaps even a spiritual yearning. Editor: I'm more intrigued by the quick, assured marks creating the form. It’s a glimpse into the working methods of an artist during that period. Curator: Ultimately, it's a compelling image with layers of meaning, even if the meaning may now be lost. Editor: Absolutely, it’s an interesting window into the artist's practice, as well as materials available at the time.