Portret van Wilhelmina Elisabeth Mechteld Vijfhuis c. 1835

Isaac Cornelis Elink Sterk created this print of Wilhelmina Elisabeth Mechteld Vijfhuis in the Netherlands. This image, created at a time of social and economic change, reflects the values and social structures of 19th-century Dutch society. Vijfhuis is depicted in a domestic setting, engaged in the traditionally feminine activity of needlework. This connects to the broader cultural emphasis on women's roles within the home. During this period, social class greatly influenced the lives of women, with wealthier women often having more leisure time for activities such as needlework and charitable work. The artist's choice to portray Vijfhuis in this manner aligns with the conservative norms that still governed much of Dutch society. Yet, the print also presents a certain level of personal agency, portraying her as a woman of substance, perhaps subtly challenging prevailing social expectations. By consulting archival materials, such as census records and family papers, historians can further illuminate the social context in which this print was made, and the place of women within it.