Portrait Of A Young Woman 1635 - 1677

Wallerant Vaillant captured this young woman on paper using black and white chalk. Her attire speaks of modesty and decorum, virtues highly prized during this period. Observe the meticulous curls framing her face; these cascade in a manner that recalls the flowing locks of classical figures. Think of Botticelli's Venus, reborn, yet tempered by the conventions of the 17th century. This echoes a desire to connect with the perceived harmony and balance of classical antiquity. The bow at her collar, a seemingly simple adornment, carries echoes of Cupid's arrow – a motif that, since ancient times, has symbolized love and connection. But here, the bow is demure, restrained, perhaps reflecting the societal expectations placed upon women. The symbol shifts, adapting to its time, yet retaining its underlying power to evoke emotion. Thus, we see how motifs persist, evolve, and continue to resonate through the corridors of time.