Zittende vrouw in profiel naar rechts 1906 - 1945

Editor: This drawing, "Zittende vrouw in profiel naar rechts" by Reijer Stolk, dated sometime between 1906 and 1945, is rendered simply in pencil. It’s a quick sketch, almost ephemeral, yet there’s a stillness to the pose. What does this work suggest to you? Curator: This work, likely a preliminary study, speaks to the function of art within a specific historical context. It reminds us that even informal sketches, not intended for public display, play a crucial role in shaping artistic vision and reflecting social norms. How does its presence here in the Rijksmuseum affect our view of its importance, would you say? Editor: That’s interesting, because if it was discovered somewhere else besides the Rijksmuseum, I think people would view this artwork differently. It being at the Rijksmuseum solidifies that this artwork carries great weight, maybe even more weight than what the sketch gives. Curator: Precisely. The Rijksmuseum’s act of collecting and exhibiting it elevates a humble sketch, transforming it into a valuable artifact. Consider the politics of imagery: this seemingly straightforward portrayal of a seated woman implicitly reinforces the conventions around who gets portrayed and memorialized, right? Whose stories and faces were deemed worthy of preservation and display in that era, and by whom? Editor: It makes me wonder about the subject. Was she someone of note? And I'm thinking, because she's not identified by name, that perhaps the sketch was really about exploring form more than commemorating an individual. Curator: It could be either, or both. The anonymity adds to the social texture. Many similar works often depict people from lower social classes without mentioning their names or adding to their story, even though it's assumed those of a higher social class will automatically be given that acknowledgement. So it is very interesting. This piece reminds us to look beyond the surface, questioning who art serves and the silent narratives embedded within these historical sketches. Editor: I never thought of it that way! Thank you for giving this image and historical background, this definitely broadened my view on its societal context.