Zittend meisje met mand van achteren gezien 1808

This drawing, "Zittend meisje met mand van achteren gezien," was created by Wouter Johannes van Troostwijk. Although the artwork's date is unknown, Troostwijk was most active in the early 19th century. The drawing provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people during the artist's time. The image centers on a seated girl viewed from behind, her attention absorbed by the contents of a basket. Van Troostwijk’s choice to depict his subject from behind invites us to consider the labor and lives of working-class women, whose stories often went unrecorded. There is an emotional weight to this piece. The girl’s posture suggests a moment of pause or quiet contemplation. Van Troostwijk skillfully captures the texture of her clothing and the weight of the basket, highlighting the material realities of her existence. The artwork serves as a poignant reminder of the individuals whose contributions and experiences have been historically marginalized.