Hoofd van een jonge vrouw 1845 - 1899

Cornelia Marjolin-Scheffer created this delicate head study of a young woman in pencil. Scheffer, born in 1830, navigated the art world during a time when women artists were often marginalized, but the New Woman was beginning to emerge. There’s a quiet intimacy in this work. The young woman’s gaze is directed downwards, perhaps lost in thought. The soft lines and subtle shading evoke a sense of gentleness and introspection. In the 19th century, representations of women in art were often idealized or allegorical. Scheffer’s drawing, however, offers a more human and personal portrayal. Consider the implications of a female artist capturing the likeness of another woman. Does it offer a different perspective than if a male artist had created this work? Perhaps Scheffer aimed to depict an alternative narrative, one that celebrated the quiet strength and inner life of women. Through the emotional accessibility and intimacy of this piece, we can reflect on the historical and personal experiences that shaped both the artist and her subject.