Here is Dutch artist Judith Leyster at her easel, taking a break from painting to engage with us. In what might be considered an early selfie, she leans her forearm on the chair and suspends her paintbrush in midair, as if she’ll turn back to the canvas in a moment. Leyster, recognized as a master artist in the Saint Luke’s Guild of Haarlem, was publicly praised for her work. This was a rare accomplishment for a woman in 17th-century Holland. She wields the tools of her trade—a palette and no fewer than 18 paintbrushes—with confidence and joy.