Pion 9 1923 - 1925

Saar de Swart created this bronze sculpture, titled Pion 9. De Swart was a Dutch sculptor, ceramicist and designer who lived through a period of immense social change, witnessing the rise of feminism in Europe. De Swart was known for capturing the essence of the human form, and this small sculpture of a female figure embodies a quiet strength. The figure is not idealized; she stands with a modest gaze and a simple, almost androgynous form. There is a sense of introspection about her, a feeling of being caught in a moment of contemplation. De Swart developed alternative narratives to traditional representations of women. Her own experiences of being a female artist certainly influenced her depictions of women. The sculpture invites us to consider the silent, often unseen contributions of women throughout history. We are left to contemplate how women navigated societal expectations and carved out spaces for themselves.