Kop van een vrouw met een hoed c. 1885 - 1911

Jozef Israëls sketched "Head of a Woman with a Hat," in pencil, date unknown. Israëls, a prominent figure in the Hague School, often focused on the lives of ordinary people, particularly those in fishing communities. Considering this context, this drawing may portray a working-class woman. The hat could signify modesty, or a symbol of her profession. The soft lines and shading create a sense of intimacy, inviting the viewer to contemplate the woman’s inner world. The sketch is ambiguous, and leaves room for the viewer to imagine her story. Does she represent resilience in the face of hardship, or is she merely a study of form and light? This portrayal prompts reflection on the role of women in 19th-century Dutch society and the artist's perspective on their experiences. The drawing serves as a reminder of the silent stories woven into the fabric of history.