A wild-haired, robed woman rushing to the right, seen from behind

Art Historical Context

In the bustling world of Dutch Golden Age, Cornelis Saftleven's 1631 drawingA wild-haired, ro woman rushing to the right seen from behind* captures fleeting moment of motion and energy. Created with black chalk heightened by touches of oiled chalk on a modest 11 1/16 × 7 3/16 in. sheet, this intimate study exemplifies Saftleven's mastery of monochrome techniques. The oiled chalk adds a sheen and fluidity, allowing for bold strokes that convey the woman's disheveled hair and flowing robes as she hurries away, viewed dynamically from behind. Saftleven, a Utrecht-born artist active during the prosperous 17th-century Netherlands, was renowned for his lively genre scenes, peasant figures, and expressive caricatures. This drawing likely served as a preparatory sketch, showcasing his skill in rendering human anatomy and movement with economical lines—hallmarks of Dutch draughtsmanship. Such studies were prized for their spontaneity, bridging the gap between observation and painted compositions. Generously gifted to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2019 by Kenneth Grebinar to celebrate its 150th anniversary, this work invites visitors to appreciate the raw vitality of Saftleven's hand, a window into the everyday drama that fueled Golden Age innovation.

About the Artist

Cornelis Saftleven · 1607–1681

Cornelis Saftleven (c. 1607–1681) was born in Gorinchem into a family of artists, with his father Herman Saftleven and brothers Abraham and Herman Saftleven the Younger also painters. He likely learned his craft from his father in Rotterdam, where the family was active, and later collaborated closely with his brother Herman in Utrecht around 1634, developing innovative stable interiors as a new mo...