The artwork “Head of woman” is a sketch and study attributed to Peter Paul Rubens, an influential artist of the Baroque era. Created around circa 1630 to circa 1632, this piece exemplifies the dynamism and expressiveness characteristic of the Baroque movement. The dimensions of this work are relatively modest, measuring 24 by 16 centimeters.
Upon examination of the artwork, one observes the delicate rendering of a woman’s head, sketched with what appears to be fine, soft strokes. The artist has skillfully captured the subtleties of the female visage, focusing on the gentle contours of the face and the serene gaze of the subject. The woman’s hair is portrayed with a sense of movement and texture, suggestive of Rubens’ mastery in depicting intricate details. Her expression is calm and introspective; the light shadings on her cheek and neck suggest volume and three-dimensionality. The artist’s signature is visibly inscribed at the lower right of the work, confirming his authorship. The choice of medium, likely chalk or charcoal, allows for both precision and graceful transitions of tone, which are hallmarks of Rubens’ draftsmanship.
