Staande vrouw met kruik 1871 - 1906

Pieter de Josselin de Jong created this pencil drawing, "Standing Woman with Jug," at the turn of the 20th century. The woman in the image, with her gaze lowered, seems caught in a moment of quiet contemplation. During this time, depictions of working-class women often romanticized their labor. But here, the woman’s averted gaze and simple clothing resist idealization. Her posture suggests a weight, not just of the jug she holds, but perhaps of the daily struggles of her existence. The intimacy of the sketch invites us to consider the lives of women whose stories often go untold. It makes you wonder, what was she thinking about? What were her dreams, her worries, in a world that often overlooked her? This image serves as a gentle reminder to recognize the dignity and depth within every individual, regardless of their station in life.