Vrouwen en een meisje c. 1840 - 1860

Charles Rochussen made this pencil drawing of women and a girl in the Netherlands sometime in the mid-19th century. The drawing's sketchy quality and intimate subject suggests it wasn't intended for public display. It offers a glimpse into the artist's private world, perhaps a study for a larger, more formal work. During this period, Dutch society was highly structured, with distinct roles for men and women. Women were largely confined to the domestic sphere, and their lives revolved around family and household duties. Rochussen's drawing reflects this reality, portraying women in a quiet, domestic setting. The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is housed, plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of Dutch art and culture. By collecting, preserving, and displaying works like this, the museum helps to construct a national identity and promote certain values. To fully understand this drawing, we might consult letters, diaries, and other archival materials that shed light on the social and cultural context in which it was created.