Zittende oude vrouw 1773

This drawing of a seated old woman was made by Willem V, Prince of Orange-Nassau. Its materials are deceptively simple: paper and red chalk. The image is sparsely rendered, with the chalk creating a delicate, almost ethereal texture. The quality of the line varies, at times dense and shadowed, elsewhere light and searching. Although it is 'just' a drawing, this work is a fascinating study of social class. The subject seems to have been captured from life, perhaps an encounter with a working-class person. Her hands are prominently displayed, hinting at a life of manual labor. The fact that Willem V, a member of the ruling elite, chose to depict this particular subject raises questions about the power dynamics inherent in the act of representation. Consider the Prince's own labor, versus that of this anonymous woman. What was he trying to express? It's a powerful reminder that materials, making, and social context are all vital to a rounded understanding of any work of art.