Staande vrouw met mand, op de rug gezien 1788 - 1814

Jan Kobell II created this drawing of a standing woman with a basket using pen in brown. The composition focuses on the figure's back, her form constructed with subtle tonal variations, a series of delicate strokes creating depth and volume. Light and shadow play across her clothing, and the texture of the woven basket contrasts with the smooth surface of the jug she carries. This interplay creates a visual rhythm that invites the eye to explore the details. Kobell's choice to depict the woman from behind invites us to consider the gaze, and the power dynamics inherent in how subjects are viewed. By denying us a direct look, he destabilizes the traditional relationship between viewer and subject, prompting questions about the act of observation itself. The woman becomes an object of study. Through his meticulous approach, Kobell uses formal elements to explore themes of representation and the nature of seeing. The artwork functions not just aesthetically, but also as part of a larger cultural and philosophical discourse.