Knielende vrouw 1876 - 1901

Gerrit Willem Dijsselhof created this drawing titled 'Knielende vrouw' which translates to 'kneeling woman'. During Dijsselhof's time, representations of women were often confined to domestic roles, idealized as symbols of virtue or objects of beauty. In contrast, this sketch offers an intimate, unadorned glimpse into a moment of quiet contemplation or supplication, challenging conventional portrayals of women. The kneeling posture, traditionally associated with prayer or submission, is here rendered with a sense of introspection. Dijsselhof’s choice to depict this woman with such simplicity invites viewers to consider her internal world. What emotions might she be experiencing? What is the nature of her prayer, or reflection? By stripping away the extraneous details, Dijsselhof encourages us to engage with the subject on a deeply human level, fostering a sense of empathy and connection across time.