Zittende vrouw 1865 - 1936

Editor: So here we have "Zittende Vrouw," or "Seated Woman," by Nicolaas van der Waay, sometime between 1865 and 1936. It’s a graphite or pencil drawing, and I'm immediately struck by how vulnerable the sitter appears. It feels like a very private moment. What do you see in this piece? Curator: The averted gaze, the clasped hands... Indeed, there's a carefully constructed sense of intimacy. The draped fabric, while offering a degree of modesty, simultaneously draws attention to the exposed form. Consider the loaded symbolism: what does it evoke when an artist chooses to portray a female figure in this state of undress? Editor: I guess it depends. It feels like she's more self-possessed than sexualized, but I see how it could read either way depending on your own associations. The draped fabric reminds me of classical depictions of goddesses, maybe Venus. Curator: Exactly! The drapery acts as a visual echo, consciously or unconsciously recalling those historical depictions. And the fact it is a drawing adds another dimension to that vulnerability you identified. What's absent is as important as what's present. Van der Waay invites us to complete the narrative. What emotional narratives, linked to art history or psychology, might it conjure? Editor: Maybe it is about contemplation then – like the woman is drawing power from within. Seeing that connection to classical goddesses definitely makes me think differently. Curator: Precisely. And consider the lasting power of the “seated woman” across time – from ancient sculptures to contemporary photography, the symbol and meaning endure through changing artistic styles. What a subtle dialogue across the ages Van der Waay created! Editor: It’s fascinating how much complexity can be communicated with a simple sketch. Thank you for sharing your insights!