Jonge vrouw 1741 - 1820

Editor: So, here we have Abraham Delfos's "Young Woman," a pencil drawing from somewhere between 1741 and 1820. It's really captivating. What strikes me most is the way he used a delicate pencil to capture the luminosity and folds of her clothing. How would you approach understanding this work? Curator: From a materialist perspective, it's compelling to consider the socioeconomic conditions surrounding the creation and consumption of this portrait. Who was Abraham Delfos and for whom did he create it, given the inherent labor and skill of this artwork? Editor: Good question. So you're suggesting it's less about just appreciating its aesthetics and more about questioning its production? Curator: Precisely. Pencil drawings, at this time, occupied an interesting space between mass-produced printed images and the more valued, individualised oil paintings. Consider the type of paper Delfos chose. How might the availability and quality of that material influenced the work? And the skill... How accessible would that type of skill and labor have been at the time? Editor: Interesting! I hadn't really considered that. So by examining those material conditions, we can get a clearer picture of the work’s original context? Curator: Exactly. Furthermore, think about the sitter's clothing and adornments. The subtle indication of a jewel suggests a level of access. Who can wear those things? How do those things influence society’s views on identity and status? By paying attention to these elements, we can better understand this woman’s place within a particular economic and social strata, as defined by production and material wealth. Editor: I’m definitely going to look at portraits differently now. Thanks, this was really enlightening. Curator: My pleasure. Focusing on materiality opens up so many avenues for interpretation.