Oudere vrouw zittend aan een tafel, het hoofd voorover gebogen 1874 - 1925

Jan Veth made this drawing of an old woman sitting at a table with her head bowed in the late 19th or early 20th century. As a portrait artist associated with the Dutch revival of realism, Veth combined psychological insight with careful observation. What strikes me about this sketch is how it captures the sitter's weariness. It shows a vulnerability rarely seen in the art of this period. The Netherlands in the late 1800s was a society undergoing rapid modernization, and the role of older people was changing quickly. They were no longer as valued as before. Veth was deeply concerned about social justice. He was involved in various progressive causes. The drawing gives us a rare glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, particularly elderly women, who were often overlooked in mainstream society. To fully understand this drawing, we can dig into archives. We can consult with letters, newspapers, and other documents from Veth's time. This will give us insight into the social and cultural context in which Veth was working.