Staande dame, met hoge hoed en de handen in de zij 1864 - 1936

This is a graphite drawing titled 'Staaande dame, met hoge hoed en de handen in de zij' by Jan van Essen, part of the Rijksmuseum collection. The sketch presents a standing woman with a high hat and hands on her hips, rendered in simple, yet evocative lines. Notice how van Essen uses line to capture not just the form but also the attitude of the figure. The stark contrast between the delicate graphite lines and the blank space of the paper creates a dynamic visual rhythm. The composition is deceptively simple. A single, confident line defines the contour of her dress, while quick, almost scribbled marks detail her hat and shoulders. This economy of means challenges our perception, asking us to see beyond the surface. The woman's pose, hands on her hips, conveys a sense of self-assuredness. It invites us to consider the power dynamics inherent in representation and how van Essen captures the essence of a modern woman through form and gesture. This sketch functions not merely as a study, but as a commentary on line, form, and representation.