Studienblatt_ Frisur der flehenden Helfensteinerin im _Bauernkrieg_ 

Julius Hamel made this study sheet for the 'Peasant War' which explores a woman's hairstyle in pencil. Hamel was working at a time of rising nationalism in Germany, where artists often looked to historical events to create narratives that spoke to contemporary issues. The so-called "peasant wars" which swept through Europe in the 16th century serve as a backdrop to explore themes of social injustice, class conflict, and resistance against authority. By focusing on the hairstyle of a woman during this tumultuous period, Hamel offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of those affected by the conflict. The woman is identified as being from Helfenstein, an area impacted by the uprising. The attention to detail in the hairstyle could be a comment on the ways in which even in times of upheaval, cultural identity and tradition persist, but also how different social classes expressed themselves. This simple sketch encapsulates the intersections of gender, class, and historical context, inviting us to reflect on the experiences of women within broader narratives of social change.