Groep vrouwen in winterkleding in Ravensbrück - Aat Breur-Hibma

A poignant graphite sketch by Aat Breur-Hibma, documenting the clothing of women imprisoned at Ravensbrück during the Second World War.

This graphite sketch by Dutch artist Aat Breur-Hibma depicts a group of women in winter clothing within the Ravensbrück concentration camp. Created during her imprisonment between 1944 and 1945, the work captures the stark reality of life under duress. The composition focuses on the lower portions of the figures, highlighting the heavy, worn garments and makeshift footwear that defined the daily existence of the prisoners.

Breur-Hibma utilised a delicate, observational line to document the conditions she witnessed. The paper shows signs of age and the rough, improvised nature of the materials available to her at the time. By focusing on the physical details of the clothing, the artist provides a quiet, direct record of the environment. The lack of background detail keeps the viewer focused on the figures, creating a sense of isolation and shared hardship. This piece functions as a historical document, offering a personal perspective on the experiences of women in the camp system.

As a survivor, Breur-Hibma maintained a commitment to documenting these events through her art. Her work is characterised by an economy of line and a focus on human presence, even in the most restrictive circumstances. This print preserves the texture and nuance of the original graphite marks, allowing for a clear view of the artist's hand. It is a sombre piece that reflects the gravity of the period while maintaining a focus on the individual humanity of the subjects.