Vrouw met een mand Possibly 1873

Cornelis Springer made this pencil drawing, titled 'Woman with a Basket,' during the 19th century. Springer was known for his cityscapes, but this drawing offers a more intimate glimpse into daily life. There is a quiet dignity in Springer's representation. She is enshrouded in her clothing, which suggests a modest existence, perhaps a life of labor. The basket, which is central to the drawing, hints at her role as a carrier, a provider, someone engaged in the commerce of the city. Her posture and expression seem to convey a sense of both weariness and resolve. The sketch is a simple yet poignant observation. The drawing invites us to consider the stories of the countless women whose labor and presence shaped the urban landscape of the Netherlands.