Studieblad met jonge vrouwen Possibly 1870 - 1875

Editor: This is "Studieblad met jonge vrouwen", or Study Sheet with Young Women, attributed to Cornelis Springer, likely from around 1870 to 1875. It's a pencil drawing on paper, currently held at the Rijksmuseum. It strikes me as a very intimate look into the artist's process, seeing these studies of figures. What stands out to you about this particular work? Curator: For me, it’s the stark simplicity of the materials. Pencil on paper; so direct, so economical. Considering the time, let's think about where paper was sourced, who produced these pencils? Was this mass produced? Springer made choices based on what was available. The paper wasn't a pristine, costly sheet but most likely from a sketchpad or some utilitarian stock. Editor: So you're saying the choice of material is almost a political statement about accessibility to art making? Curator: Not a statement, perhaps, but an indication of artistic and social practices of the time. A study sheet allows us insight into an academic approach. Figure studies like these, done with relatively cheap materials, might serve as practice, preparatory exercises, or just ways to experiment before committing to more ambitious, commissioned projects. The immediacy suggests the hand is practicing how the body functions under a rigid class system in which gender and class were so important. What's their function and labor in 19th century Dutch society? Editor: That's fascinating; it shifts my perception entirely. It's less about the romantic image and more about the practicalities and social influences of its creation. Curator: Exactly. By focusing on the materials and production, we move beyond the artist's "genius" and examine the material conditions that make art possible. Who makes and uses the means to production, and what social stratification made them access or not access art creation or portrayal? Editor: That really broadens my understanding of not just this drawing, but art in general. Thanks for sharing that perspective! Curator: My pleasure! Looking at the artwork as a material object, opens doors for wider understandings, and helps us reveal untold stories.