Gammel svensk kone og lille pige 1851

Wilhelm Marstrand made this small drawing, titled 'Old Swedish Woman and Little Girl,' using pen and ink. Marstrand, who lived from 1810 to 1873, was working in a period of significant social change. The drawing depicts two figures whose clothes mark them as poor. The old woman, possibly a grandmother, holds what appears to be a bundle of textiles, a burden carried along with her history. The girl stands slightly apart, her arms crossed as if guarding herself from the world. Marstrand often focused on everyday life, offering glimpses into the lives of ordinary people. Consider how the artist uses line and form to convey a sense of dignity in the face of hardship. What does it mean to represent these figures with such attention to detail? Is he challenging the traditional narratives of the time by emphasizing the humanity and resilience of those living on the margins? This drawing asks us to look closely at the lives of women and girls, and reflect on their stories.