Figuren van vrouwen in dagelijkse bezigheden c. 1660

Wouter Schouten created this small drawing, "Figures of women in daily activities," probably in the late 17th century, using graphite on paper. The composition is divided into two registers with each depicting women engaged in various activities. Schouten uses line economy to capture the essence of each figure. The women's clothing is articulated with subtle shading to give form and volume. Schouten’s organization in the image creates a sense of rhythm. The repetition of forms and gestures, like the conical hats and carrying poles, leads the eye across the surface. The linear quality emphasizes the flatness of the picture plane, while the detailed rendering adds depth and realism. The drawing offers a glimpse into the daily lives of women in what appears to be a colonial setting, framed through the formal vocabulary of 17th-century Dutch art. The drawing prompts us to consider how the formal elements of art intersect with cultural representation and the social dynamics inherent in artistic production.