Boerenmeisje 1854 - 1914

Albert Neuhuys created this drawing of a peasant girl using chalk and graphite on paper. Here, the material is used very economically, with just a few lines indicating the figure. The roughness of the paper also contributes to the sense of immediacy. Consider the social context: in the late 19th century, there was growing interest in rural life, but also hardship for working-class people. This work speaks to the labor that fills this woman's life, with the burden on her shoulders suggested by the weight and fall of her clothing. Neuhuys likely aimed to capture the dignity of her pose, but we can also sense the hardship that she would have faced. Ultimately, by considering the relationship between the materials and the social context, we can gain a deeper understanding of this seemingly simple drawing, and challenge traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.