Hoofd van een jonge vrouw 1867 - 1890

Philip Zilcken created this print titled, "Head of a Young Woman," using etching. Although undated, this work reflects the late 19th century Dutch art scene, which saw a rise in interest in ordinary people and everyday life. The loose handling of the etching needle suggests the influence of the Etchers' Club, which was founded in 1880 to promote a revival of the medium. Its members moved away from the formal constraints of academic art, embracing a more informal, impressionistic style. Zilcken's choice of subject matter is a clear departure from traditional portraiture of the time, which often focused on wealthy patrons or historical figures. Instead, the artist has captured a fleeting moment of a young woman in a loose, sketch-like style. This shift reflects a broader trend in art history, emphasizing the importance of personal experience and the beauty of the everyday. Art historians can consult periodicals from the time and institutional records from the Etchers' Club to understand this work better.