Old Jewish Woman 1880

Meijer de Haan’s “Old Jewish Woman” is a study in oil paint, a common yet versatile medium that can evoke both the everyday and the sublime. De Haan has used it here to create a sensitive portrait, layering the paint to capture the woman’s weathered skin and worn clothing. The brushstrokes are visible, giving the surface texture and depth. The red shawl, likely made from wool, suggests warmth but also hints at the economic realities of the sitter’s life. The white bonnet also speaks of the social conventions of the time. Consider how the very act of painting, with its gestures and materiality, connects to other forms of labor. De Haan’s commitment mirrors the labor-intensive lives of ordinary people. It reminds us that art is not just about aesthetics but also about engaging with the world.