Zittend meisje c. 1884 - 1887

This is Willem Witsen’s sketch, ‘Zittend Meisje,’ or ‘Sitting Girl,’ housed here at the Rijksmuseum. Witsen came from a privileged background, deeply embedded in Amsterdam's cultural elite, yet he identified with the progressive social ideals of the time. His work often captured intimate, everyday scenes, reflecting the changing social dynamics of the late 19th century. This drawing, though simple, encapsulates the position of women in that era. The girl is captured in a private moment, a seemingly unguarded pose. There’s a sense of melancholy, of introspection. Witsen neither idealizes nor overtly critiques, but subtly draws attention to the quiet, often unseen, lives of women. The sketch invites us to contemplate the roles, expectations, and inner worlds of young women during a period of significant social transition. How did the artist see this girl? How did she see herself?