Twee vrouwen en een jongen in een serre 1912

Nelly Spoor created this small pen drawing, "Twee vrouwen en een jongen in een serre," translating to "Two women and a boy in a conservatory," sometime during her career. The image offers us a glimpse into the private sphere of domestic life, likely during the early 20th century. Spoor, born in 1885, navigated a world where women's roles were rapidly changing yet still largely confined to the home. This drawing captures a quiet moment between two women, one seated, perhaps a mother, and the other standing, tending to a plant. A young boy looks up at them, perhaps seeking attention or guidance. The clothing and hairstyles suggest a certain level of social standing. We might consider how Spoor, as a female artist, was negotiating her own place in this society, documenting these scenes of domesticity, while carving out her own professional identity. The drawing is rendered with delicate lines, inviting the viewer to reflect on the intimacy and complexities within these relationships. It speaks to the subtle yet significant ways in which women shaped their world, both within and beyond the confines of the conservatory.