a picture at an exhibition

Perhaps we do not only guess and project when we read, but also when we see…..


Take this painting (1) that attracted me right from the moment I entered into that room. It was the integrity of that pose, the graveness of that look that impressed me – the non-frivolous, non-religious, not-seeking-to-please quality of it. A mature, rather careworn but unyielding, woman looking at life.



But then, what does the official description state: “sweetly contemplative look”.
Sweetly ….????? I can’t see anything sugary cute in this portrait…







(1) Joos Van Cleve: Katlijne van Mispelteeren (c. 1530-1535)


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