Portrait of a Woman with a Muff c. 17th century

Editor: This is Jan de Bray's "Portrait of a Woman with a Muff," housed at the Harvard Art Museums. It's a striking sketch in red chalk. The woman's gaze feels very direct; what do you see in this piece? Curator: The muff itself becomes a powerful symbol here. Beyond warmth, it suggests modesty, but also perhaps a hidden sensuality. Do you notice how the woman's eyes meet ours? It is as though she's aware of being seen and subtly challenges our gaze. Editor: That's fascinating. The muff as a symbol of both modesty and sensuality hadn't occurred to me. Curator: Symbols often carry double meanings, shaped by both personal and societal perspectives. It's an invitation to look deeper. Editor: Thanks! This helped me appreciate the artwork in a different light.