Portret van een vrouw met opgestoken haar c. 1892

This is a watercolor drawing of a woman with her hair up, by Julie de Graag. De Graag was working in the early 20th century. The woman's downcast gaze evokes a sense of introspection, perhaps reflecting the limited roles often assigned to women in that era. Her subdued demeanor could be interpreted as a quiet form of resistance or a personal sanctuary amidst societal expectations. This delicate portrait also brings into focus the artist herself. As a woman working in the arts, De Graag navigated a male-dominated field. She was later deemed as one of the important Amsterdamse School artists. The choice of subject matter and the intimate portrayal suggest an exploration of female identity and experience from a woman's perspective. The artwork invites us to consider the complexities of identity, gender, and artistic expression within the historical context of the early 20th century.