Vrouw bij een poort op een brug 1876 - 1877

Willem Cornelis Rip made this pencil drawing of a woman by a gate on a bridge, likely in the Netherlands, where he lived and worked in the late 19th and early 20th century. Rip was part of the Hague School, a group of Dutch artists who emphasized realism and the depiction of everyday life. This drawing, with its focus on a simple scene, is characteristic of that movement. But it also offers a glimpse into the social and cultural context of the time. The woman is depicted in a modest dress, suggesting a working-class background. The bridge and gate, while functional, also have a certain aesthetic appeal, reflecting the Dutch appreciation for beauty in the everyday. By studying the art and social history of the Netherlands during this period, we can gain a deeper understanding of the values and beliefs of the people who lived there, as well as the role that art played in shaping those values.