Portret van een jonge, onbekende vrouw Possibly 1880 - 1884

This is Willem Witsen's charcoal drawing, "Portrait of a Young, Unknown Woman," made in the late 19th or early 20th century. Witsen, part of the Amsterdam Impressionism movement, often depicted the city and its people, capturing fleeting moments of everyday life. This portrait raises questions about identity and representation. The sitter's androgynous appearance challenges traditional gender norms. Her clothing, particularly the jacket and pin, blurs the lines between masculine and feminine attire of the time. Who was this person? The title suggests she remains unknown, a nameless figure in the historical record. Yet, Witsen immortalizes her with a piercing gaze. Portraits often reflect the social status of the sitter or the artist's personal connections. Here, the lack of information invites speculation. Was she a member of Witsen's circle, or a chance encounter? The emotional weight of the piece rests in her inscrutable expression. She invites us to contemplate the complexities of identity and the untold stories of those who might otherwise be forgotten.