Oude vrouw met een urine-glas

About this artwork

height 244 mm x width 188 mm

Art Historical Context

**Oude vrouw met een-glas** by Abraham Delfos (1741–1820) a delicate brush drawing measuring 244 mm in height by 188 mm in width capturing an intimate moment from 18th-century Dutch life Delfos, a skilled Dutch draftsman and engraver, fluid brushwork to evoke texture and emotion in his works, often exploring everyday scenes with a keen eye for human character. This modest-scale piece exemplifies his technique, where the brush allows for subtle shading and expressive lines, distinguishing it from more rigid etching processes he also mastered. The title, translating to "Old Woman with a Urine Glass," hints at uroscopy—a common medical practice of the era, where physicians examined urine to diagnose ailments based on its color and clarity. Rendered during the Enlightenment, when science intertwined with daily life, the artwork reflects Dutch genre traditions, humanizing the elderly and blending portraiture with social observation. Delfos's focus on such humble subjects underscores the period's interest in realism and the human condition, making this a poignant glimpse into pre-modern healthcare and aging. Visitors will appreciate how Delfos's economical brushstrokes bring quiet dignity to his subject, inviting reflection on historical customs long faded from view. A testament to his versatility, this drawing bridges art and everyday history in our collection.

About the Artist

Abraham Delfos · 1731–1820

Abraham Delfos (1731–1820) was a distinguished Dutch painter, draughtsman, and engraver whose nearly nine-decade life spanned much of the 18th century and extended into the early 19th, making him a bridge between the late Dutch Golden Age tradition and the emergence of modern Dutch art. Born in Leiden on March 8, 1731, Delfos dedicated his career to the meticulous craft of reproductive engraving, ...