Portretkoppen van Hanna en Hanne c. 1892

Editor: We're looking at "Portretkoppen van Hanna en Hanne," a pencil drawing from around 1892 by Julie de Graag, housed here at the Rijksmuseum. It's interesting how the artist captures the profiles so simply, almost as a preliminary sketch. What historical insights can you offer about this piece? Curator: Well, beyond the evident realism, consider this drawing within the context of late 19th-century portraiture. It was a period wrestling with the rise of photography. Drawings like this become less about recording likeness and more about capturing something internal, something psychological. Does the casual nature, the sketch-like quality, suggest anything to you? Editor: Perhaps a sense of intimacy? It feels like we are seeing a private moment between the artist and her subjects. Do we know who Hanna and Hanne were? Curator: That's a key question. Their identities are less important than what they represent. These were likely friends or family of the artist, their portrayal becomes a social commentary. Consider the burgeoning role of women in the art world at this time. Editor: I see what you mean. Was this displayed publicly at the time or kept as something more personal within the artist’s circles? Curator: Exactly. Thinking about that exhibition history or lack thereof reshapes how we interpret it. Did it challenge conventional portraiture meant for public consumption? Was it a radical statement on women, art, and how social circles influenced it? What are your closing thoughts? Editor: It’s fascinating to realize how a simple drawing like this can offer such rich insights into the social dynamics of the time. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure, it always enriches our experience to engage like this, seeing art and cultural history interwoven.