Studies van vrouwen 1875 - 1900

Jan de Waardt made these Studies van Vrouwen using graphite on paper. The artist employed graphite to swiftly capture the appearance and attitudes of these working-class women. De Waardt applied the graphite in varying pressures and densities, lending depth and shadow to the composition, and enhancing the figures' three-dimensionality on the page. The immediacy of the graphite medium is evident in the artist's quick, expressive marks, imbuing the artwork with a sense of spontaneity and life. The choice of graphite, a readily available and relatively inexpensive material, underscores De Waardt’s focus on capturing everyday subjects. This contrasts sharply with the refined, academic techniques favored by the upper echelons of the art world. De Waardt's Studies can be seen as a deliberate move toward democratizing both the subject matter and the process of art. The work involved is a fleeting observation, registered with great sensitivity to the human condition. Ultimately, these Studies van Vrouwen invite us to consider the social and cultural context in which they were created, challenging conventional notions of high art and celebrating the beauty and dignity of ordinary women.