Meisje met een tas of doos onder haar arm 1875 - 1934

Curator: Well, she certainly looks like she’s on a mission. Editor: Indeed. Let’s orient our listeners to Isaac Israels’ drawing, “Meisje met een tas of doos onder haar arm,” created sometime between 1875 and 1934. It’s currently held here at the Rijksmuseum. He rendered this figure using primarily pencil, and the sketch gives a fleeting glimpse into a moment captured from life. Curator: The directness of the gaze strikes me, almost confrontational. The bag adds a sense of urgency, wouldn’t you agree? I’m curious, what exactly is in the box or bag? There’s such weight in its depiction, physically and perhaps symbolically. Editor: Israels often depicted scenes from modern urban life, particularly focusing on women and their roles within that sphere. Perhaps this is a girl on her way to school, carrying her books. In his other paintings we can appreciate that he tried to portray a certain group or class within Amsterdam society. Curator: That’s fascinating. The hat seems intentionally jaunty, almost daring, perched upon her head at that angle. I wonder, is it a symbol of defiance or mere practicality against the elements? Editor: I think her look embodies the tension of youth in a rapidly changing world. Consider the evolving social landscape during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when this sketch was made. Curator: Yes, this sketch manages to convey that in-between space so perfectly. It feels like she’s on the cusp of something. What an economical drawing in order to portray that in such few strokes. Editor: Absolutely. Israels really knew the socio-political nuances, particularly regarding women's representation. The art world had certain stereotypes for what women did, what work they carried out in society. Curator: Knowing a little about the context adds new dimensions to her intense expression. Editor: Ultimately, “Meisje met een tas of doos onder haar arm” invites us to speculate. Curator: And perhaps to consider how far things have, or haven't, progressed since then. Editor: An excellent question to carry with you.