Portret van Pietje Hoorman in klederdracht 1874

This drawing, made by George Clausen, is a graphite sketch on paper, depicting Pietje Hoorman in traditional dress. The artist used the most humble of materials, a simple pencil and paper, to portray his sitter. The marks are light, quick, and sketchy, suggesting that the work was produced rapidly, a study rather than a finished artwork. The softness of graphite allows the artist to easily achieve soft gradations of tone. You can note the use of hatching to build up the form of her dress. It is a seemingly straightforward representation of a young woman, yet it engages with wider social issues, particularly labor. The sketch is of a working-class woman, dressed in the clothing of her community. It provides an invaluable record of everyday life, reflecting Clausen's interests in rural life, and the labouring classes. This work reminds us that even the simplest of materials, combined with close observation, can convey complex social and cultural meanings, challenging the conventional distinction between art and craft.