Handwerkend meisje, zittend in een boom 1847 - 1899

Jacob Maris made this sketch, "Handwerkend meisje, zittend in een boom," using graphite. Maris, a leading figure in the Hague School, often depicted scenes of Dutch daily life, reflecting the social realities of his time. In this intimate sketch, a young girl is perched in a tree, absorbed in her needlework. Her posture and the details of her clothing suggest a life of labor. The focus on her solitary activity draws attention to the often-unseen work of young women in the 19th century. Maris’s choice to portray her in a tree, a space typically associated with leisure, creates an intriguing contrast, subtly highlighting the lack of distinction between work and rest for many young women. While the sketch lacks overt political commentary, it quietly acknowledges the socio-economic circumstances that shaped the lives of working-class girls during this period. The act of elevating this scene to art invites viewers to contemplate the value and dignity of labor, particularly that of young women.