Unknown Maker

The stylized drapery folds and modeling of this figure reveal that the artist had an interest in classical art, particularly ancient Roman sculpture. Other drawings in the museum's collection, such as Willem de Mieris's Venus and Cupid and Jan de Bisschop's Madonna and Child, were also influenced by classical Italian models. This drawing was originally attributed to de Bisschop, although the medium is unusual for him. The use of a classical style is neither exclusive to de Bisschop, nor distinctive enough to secure the drawing's date or country of origin. Thus, in this case, scholarly research produces more questions than answers. Even the subject is puzzling. A female holding a book could refer to many allegorical and religious figures. She may be the personification of an ideal concept such as Wisdom or Rhetoric; however, the drawing does not provide enough information to confirm a precise interpretation.