Figuren en koppen, onder andere in Volendamse en Urker klederdracht 1875

This sketchbook page is by George Clausen and includes studies of figures and heads in Volendam and Urk traditional costumes. Clausen was deeply influenced by the social realism of French painters like Millet, focusing on rural labor and everyday life. These sketches provide insight into Clausen’s interest in capturing the identity of these communities through their distinctive clothing. During the late 19th century, traditional costumes became symbols of regional identity, especially as industrialization and urbanization threatened local customs. Clausen's choice to depict these costumes reflects the cultural preservation movement, yet it also raises questions about representation and the gaze of the outsider. How does the act of observing and documenting affect the communities being portrayed? Clausen’s delicate lines hint at his respect for his subjects, inviting us to consider our own relationship to cultural heritage and the complex dynamics of looking.