Two Women Seen from Behind c. 1754 - 1765

Hubert Robert made this pencil sketch, titled 'Two Women Seen from Behind' in France in the late 18th or early 19th century. Robert’s drawings offer glimpses into the everyday social life of his time. In this sketch, two women are depicted, their figures outlined with simple lines. The fashions they wear, such as the caps and shawls, offer clues about social class. The way they are positioned, backs turned, hints at a casual, informal moment observed by the artist. The sketch format suggests an interest in capturing fleeting moments from contemporary urban life. To understand Robert's work better, we might consult fashion plates from the era, or study records about the lives of ordinary people in France. Art is often deeply embedded in the social and institutional contexts of its time, reflecting or challenging existing norms. As historians, our role is to reveal these connections.