Bukkende vrouw die objecten in haar schort verzamelt 1876 - 1901

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof made this drawing of a bending woman gathering objects in her apron. The posture of the bending figure carries a deep symbolic weight, echoing across cultures and epochs. Consider the ancient Roman depictions of the harvest goddess Ceres, often shown in a similar pose, gathering wheat. This gesture isn't merely about physical labor, it embodies the act of collecting, nurturing, and preparing for the future. In Dijsselhof's drawing, we see how the motif has evolved. No longer a divine figure, but an everyday woman, the act of gathering transforms into a fundamental aspect of human existence. It speaks to our primal connection with the earth, a subconscious memory of dependence on nature's bounty. The image evokes a sense of introspection. Bending over, the woman turns inward, perhaps contemplating the fruits of her labor. This simple act invites us to reflect on our own relationship with nature and the cyclical rhythms of life. The motif persists, continually reborn, reminding us of our enduring connection to the past.