Portret van een vrouw 1877 - 1928

Cornelis Spoor made this portrait of a woman with a pencil on paper. While the exact date of the artwork is unknown, the artist was alive during a period when women's roles and representation were undergoing significant change. Her direct gaze and modestly styled hair suggest a departure from purely decorative portrayals of women. Rather, Spoor seems interested in capturing something of her inner life. In this drawing, the stark use of line and shadow creates a sense of depth. This adds to the emotional weight of the piece, hinting at the complexities of identity and the weight of societal expectations. The choice of a monochromatic palette further emphasizes the somber yet dignified nature of the subject. Spoor’s portrait invites us to consider the quiet strength and resilience of women during a time of transition. It reflects both the personal and the political dimensions of female identity.