Zittende vrouw met kruik en portretstudie oudste Boomhouwer 1842

Pieter van Loon made this graphite drawing, 'Seated Woman with Jug and Portrait Study of Oldest Boomhouwer' sometime in 1842. Van Loon was a Dutch artist whose work offers us glimpses into the social fabric of the Netherlands during a period of significant transformation. Here, we see a woman in a domestic setting alongside what appears to be a portrait study. The jug beside her suggests everyday life, while the inclusion of the portrait hints at the importance of individual identity and social standing within Dutch society. Consider how Dutch society at this time was evolving, with growing urbanisation and changing class structures. Such pieces invite us to examine the roles and representations of women and men, and the values placed on labour and leisure. Understanding these drawings requires us to research the social history of the Netherlands in the 19th century, from the records of local customs to the writings of social commentators.