Jonge vrouw met kap 1874 - 1925

Jan Veth made this drawing of a young woman with a bonnet, likely around the turn of the century, using graphite and crayon on paper. The delicate application of these materials allows the texture of the paper to show through, giving the work an intimate, almost ephemeral quality. The visible gridlines suggest a process of careful planning and construction, like a dressmaker's pattern. The bonnet itself, rendered with particular attention to detail, speaks volumes about the social context of the time. In an era defined by both rapid industrialization and strict social codes, clothing served as a powerful marker of identity and status. The bonnet, likely handmade, reflects the skilled labor involved in creating even the simplest garments. Veth's choice to depict this young woman, her face gently obscured, invites us to consider the lives of ordinary people, and the importance of everyday objects in understanding the broader sweep of history. It reminds us that even a simple drawing can reveal complex layers of meaning when we pay attention to materials, making, and social context.