Portret van een meisje Kolkman 1874 - 1925

Jan Veth made this portrait of a girl, Kolkman, using graphite and colored pencil. Although undated, this drawing can be placed in the Netherlands at the turn of the 20th century. Veth was not only an artist but also an art critic, deeply involved in the cultural and institutional discourses of his time. His portraits, like this one, often capture the sitter's personality through a blend of realism and psychological insight. Consider the role of portraiture in Dutch society, particularly for middle-class families. Portraits served as markers of social status and family history. This work reflects a broader cultural interest in representing individual character and inner life, influenced by the rise of psychology as a discipline. The Rijksmuseum's collection provides valuable context for understanding Veth's place in Dutch art history. By examining contemporary exhibition reviews and artists' biographies, we gain a deeper understanding of his work.