Twee staande vrouwen 1874

This is George Clausen’s sketch, "Twee staande vrouwen," or "Two Standing Women," dating from the late 19th or early 20th century. Clausen was known for depicting rural laborers. During this time, rapid industrialization shifted societal structures and the roles of women. While urban life offered new opportunities, many women remained in traditional, often physically demanding roles in the countryside. Here, Clausen uses delicate lines to capture what appears to be women in simple garments, perhaps pausing from their labor. There is an unadorned quality to these figures. Clausen renders their forms with a straightforward honesty. The sketch doesn’t romanticize rural life but offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of working women. In its quiet way, this sketch is about bearing witness to the lives of these women, acknowledging their presence and contributions within a changing world.