Zittende vrouw met juk en twee kruiken 1766 - 1815

Jacob van Strij created this drawing of a seated woman with yoke and two jugs with graphite. The Dutch Republic in the late 18th and early 19th centuries was a society defined by stark class divisions, and drawings like this one offer us a glimpse into the lives of its working class. This image creates meaning through its straightforward depiction of everyday life; the woman, likely a water carrier, is shown at rest, but the tools of her labor are prominently displayed. Van Strij’s choice to represent this woman as his subject reflects a broader interest in the lives of ordinary people during this period. It comments on the social structures of its time, not through direct critique, but through careful observation and documentation. To understand this drawing better, researchers might consult demographic records, economic histories, and studies of visual culture in the Netherlands. By examining the social conditions that shape artistic production, we can gain a deeper understanding of the role art plays in society.