Kop van een fantasiefiguur en twee gestileerde hoofdletters J' c. 1894

Julie de Graag made this light pencil drawing of a fantastical head alongside two stylized letter J's on paper. De Graag, working in the Netherlands in the early 20th century, cultivated an artistic identity connected with nature and an interest in simplifying forms, like in this dream-like image. It's tempting to read this as a reflection of the Symbolist movement, with its emphasis on inner experience. But understanding this image requires looking at the broader social context. De Graag was part of a generation of women artists pushing against the rigid boundaries of academic art and social expectations. They explored new forms of expression and sought to establish themselves in a male-dominated art world. Archival materials, like exhibition catalogues and letters, reveal the challenges and triumphs of these women, while art historical scholarship helps us to understand the significance of their artistic contributions. This drawing is a product of these social and institutional forces, reflecting both a personal artistic vision and a broader cultural shift.