Kort glad kapsel 1865 - 1913

Curator: We’re looking at a pencil drawing here at the Rijksmuseum; a study titled "Kort glad kapsel," which translates to "Short smooth haircut." It was created sometime between 1865 and 1913 by Bramine Hubrecht. Editor: My initial reaction is that it’s incredibly delicate, almost ephemeral. You can practically feel the artist's hand moving across the page. There's a softness in the shading that I find quite compelling. Curator: Absolutely, it has a provisional quality, doesn’t it? As a sketch, it allows us a glimpse into the artist’s process. We see how the artist captured the form of the head, and focused primarily on the lines describing the sitter's smooth, short hair. This preparatory style of drawing was useful for determining accurate proportions and placement for elements within a complete and formal painting. Editor: It’s interesting that you mention proportion and placement because I'm also thinking about what is not there. The sketch focuses intently on the hairstyle, suggesting, perhaps, the growing importance of changing fashion norms or even a certain rejection of more elaborate, traditional styles. Was the haircut itself seen as a statement of sorts during that era? Curator: Yes, that’s an insightful point. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant shifts in gender roles and women's fashion, influenced by social movements. A shorter, simpler hairstyle could indeed be interpreted as a move towards greater independence and a rejection of restrictive beauty standards. Editor: Precisely. And knowing this context deepens our understanding of what may seem at first glance like a simple study. I think it invites viewers to think about individual agency and rebellion. Curator: Well said! The drawing serves as a quiet reminder of the ways personal choices intersect with larger cultural trends and even politics. It invites us to reconsider assumptions about the sitter. Editor: This brief, but incredibly potent drawing does encourage a dialogue between what's presented and what’s consciously omitted; this artwork transcends a fleeting physical feature. Curator: Agreed. There’s something deeply resonant in how a simple hairstyle, captured with such fleeting strokes, becomes a window into a fascinating period of social transformation.