Project for a Statue: Woman Holding Book with Right Hand n.d.

John Michael Rysbrack, a sculptor active in England during the 18th century, created this brown ink and pencil sketch, “Project for a Statue: Woman Holding Book with Right Hand.” At a time when women’s intellectual contributions were often dismissed, here Rysbrack offers us a thoughtful, learned female figure. The book she holds could signify wisdom, knowledge, or even power, challenging the restrictive roles often imposed on women. The artist may have been inspired by the intellectual salons of the period where women engaged in philosophical and political debates, but we can’t know for sure. What I do know is that the woman’s draped clothing adds to the sense of dignity and gravitas. Rysbrack may have intended to offer a different narrative of women’s capabilities and potential. This piece goes beyond the traditional representations, it celebrates the capacity of women.