Vrouwenhoofd 1865 - 1921

Suze Robertson created this drawing, titled "Vrouwenhoofd," using black chalk on paper. Robertson emerged as an artist during a period of significant social change. At a time when women's roles were heavily constrained, she defied expectations by pursuing art professionally. Robertson’s choice of subject matter often focused on the lives of working-class people, particularly women. In this drawing we see a solemn portrait of a woman whose identity and story are just beyond our reach. The somber tones and stark contrasts evoke the hardships and resilience of her subjects. By focusing on their dignity, Robertson challenged the traditional, often romanticized, portrayals of women. She brought visibility to those who were frequently overlooked. Robertson once said, “I want to paint people as they are." "Vrouwenhoofd" speaks to her commitment to representing the authenticity and emotional depth of everyday women. Through her art, Robertson invites us to contemplate the complexities of identity and the shared experiences that connect us.