Portrait of a Woman, possibly Elisabeth Hollaer, Wife of Theodorus Rijswijk c. 1700 - 1722

Pieter van der Werff painted this portrait of a woman, possibly Elisabeth Hollaer, with oil on panel. Notice the subject’s subtle gesture. Her fingers gently touch her dress, a common pose in portraiture throughout the ages. This simple act transcends mere representation. It becomes a symbolic exploration of modesty and grace. Think back to classical sculptures of Venus, often depicted covering herself, and consider the long line of female figures shielding themselves, whether from shame, fear, or coyness. This timeless gesture, repeated through history, becomes embedded in our cultural psyche. This intimate gesture of covering engages viewers on a subconscious level. The woman’s subtle touch resonates with our collective memory of vulnerability and invites empathy. It transcends time, reappearing and evolving, constantly taking on new meanings in different contexts.