Vrouw met kind c. 1892 - 1897

This is Willem Witsen’s sketch, Vrouw met kind. Witsen came of age during the rise of the women's movement in the Netherlands, a time of evolving discussions around gender roles and female emancipation. Looking at this intimate portrayal of a woman and child, we might consider the traditional roles assigned to women, particularly that of motherhood. The sketch captures a tender moment, yet it also prompts us to reflect on the socio-economic realities that often confined women to domestic life. What was the artist trying to convey, and how does it speak to our understanding of women's experiences during that time? As Witsen developed as an artist, he balanced tradition with the desire to capture a changing world, exploring the emotional and psychological dimensions of modern life. This sketch invites us to contemplate the tension between personal experience and broader societal expectations, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of women.