Twee portretten van oude vrouwen 1881 - 1883

George Hendrik Breitner created these two portrait studies of old women, using a pencil, at an unknown date. Breitner was a Dutchman whose images captured the reality of everyday life in the Netherlands. These sketches provide a glimpse into the lives of elderly women, who are often marginalized in society. The artist’s choice to depict them, invites us to consider the value and dignity of people from all walks of life. With age often comes a change in social status, so these sketches may have served as a commentary on the changing roles of women as they age. Breitner seems to capture a moment of reflection or perhaps quiet resignation. The simplicity of the medium accentuates the raw and unfiltered nature of the subjects. The expressions and postures of the women invite us to reflect on the depth and complexity of the human experience. The use of a humble pencil elevates the ordinary and prompts us to find beauty in simplicity.