Kop van een uil 1865 - 1913

Bramine Hubrecht created this sketch of an owl's head in graphite at the turn of the 20th century. This seemingly simple drawing offers a glimpse into the changing social status of women artists in the Netherlands. During this period, the art world was still largely dominated by men. Women artists often faced significant barriers to entry, lacking access to formal training and exhibition opportunities. Hubrecht, however, was able to navigate these challenges. She attended the Academie van Beeldende Kunsten in The Hague, and her work was exhibited at the Rijksmuseum. Hubrecht's choice of subject matter is also noteworthy. Animals were considered an acceptable subject for female artists. This was in part because of their association with domesticity. The owl, however, might also be interpreted as a symbol of wisdom and knowledge. By studying the archives of art institutions and exhibition catalogues we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and institutional forces that shaped Hubrecht's career and the reception of her work.