Portret van een vrouw, aangeduid met V.J.-D.v.H. 1885 - 1931

Frederika Henriëtte Broeksmit rendered this sketch of a woman, likely in the Netherlands, using graphite on paper. The woman’s tranquil pose, seated and absorbed in a book, speaks volumes about the changing social roles of women at the turn of the century. This was a period when access to education and leisure became more available to middle-class women. Broeksmit's choice to depict the sitter reading, rather than in a domestic role, subtly challenges traditional expectations. The drawing itself, with its delicate lines and focus on the sitter's interiority, invites us to consider the individual's perspective. The inscription 'V.J.-D.v.H.' suggests a personal connection between the artist and subject, perhaps a friend or family member. To fully appreciate this work, we can delve into sources such as personal letters and diaries from the period, as well as studies of women’s education and social movements in the Netherlands. These will provide a richer understanding of the cultural context that shaped both the artist and her subject.