Vier voorstellingen 1878 - 1924

Julie de Graag made this drawing with pen and ink. Here, we see a stark depiction of domestic life, rendered with a minimalist approach that belies its complex social commentary. De Graag, working in the Netherlands in the early 20th century, presents a scene laden with tension: a family, seemingly cowering before a stern figure holding a whip. Broken furniture litters the floor. The choice of pen and ink amplifies the scene’s raw emotional quality. De Graag’s work subtly challenges the conventional image of domestic tranquility, reflective of the growing unease with traditional social roles and expectations of this period. Was she critiquing a society grappling with its own changing identity? To understand the full impact of De Graag's work, we delve into the social histories of gender, class, and domesticity. Through archival research, we can uncover the layers of meaning embedded in such seemingly simple images, enriching our appreciation for the artwork and the society that shaped it.