Vrouw zittend naast een kind op een ziekbed 1854 - 1914

Albert Neuhuys created this sketch of a woman sitting next to a child in a sickbed. It’s currently located at the Rijksmuseum. Neuhuys was known for his sympathetic depictions of rural life and the working class in the Netherlands. This image resonates with the broader social context of the 19th century. The rise of industrialization led to increased poverty and disease, especially impacting women and children. Neuhuys's work brings into focus the emotional and physical burdens carried by women, who were often the primary caregivers in these difficult circumstances. The sketch encapsulates the anxieties and vulnerabilities of women in this era, as they navigated both domestic responsibilities and the threat of illness within their families. What does it mean to witness the quiet resilience and emotional labor of women in the face of such hardships?