Hoofd van een meisje c. 1884 - 1887

Editor: So, here we have Willem Witsen’s "Hoofd van een meisje," a pencil drawing from around 1884 to 1887. The girl's face is quite striking, but then there’s that abstract scribble next to it. It feels unfinished. What’s your take on it? Curator: It’s interesting how you perceive the work as "unfinished." Think about the late 19th century and the rise of Impressionism. Artists were increasingly interested in capturing fleeting moments, the sketch as a form gained importance. What societal shifts might have fueled that change in artistic priorities, away from highly polished, finished works? Editor: Well, industrialization was changing everything… maybe speed became more valued? People had less time, maybe artists responded to that? Curator: Precisely! Consider also the democratization of art. The sketch, once a private study, entered the public sphere. This accessibility resonates with evolving social structures. Do you think that affects our reading of a piece like this today? Editor: I think so. It feels more intimate, like we’re seeing the artist’s process. The girl's upward gaze suggests hope, maybe even a social yearning given the historical context? Is that reading too far into it? Curator: Not at all. These sketches, seemingly simple, allow for multiple readings and provoke discussions on broader social narratives. They're visual documents of a changing world. It also humanizes Witsen, placing him amidst his cultural milieu. Editor: That makes a lot of sense. I hadn't considered how much the act of displaying a sketch itself reflected the societal changes of the time. Thanks for that! Curator: My pleasure! Looking at art through the lens of its historical moment always enriches our understanding.