Staand meisje 1785 - 1857

Gerrit Jan Michaëlis made this red chalk drawing of a standing girl sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. During this period, images of ordinary people became increasingly popular, reflecting broader social and cultural shifts. Here, the young woman's simple clothing, bare feet, and headscarf suggest a working-class background. Artists in the Netherlands, like Michaëlis, often depicted such figures to explore themes of labor, poverty, and everyday life. This interest in the common person also coincided with Enlightenment ideals that valued human dignity and social reform. By studying drawings, prints, and archival records from this time, we can better understand the social dynamics and cultural values that shaped the artist's vision. Art history is not just about the artwork itself, but also about the world that produced it.