Vrouw omarmt vrouw met penseel 1759

Simon Fokke created this print, “Woman Embracing Woman with Brush,” around 1759 in Amsterdam. During this time, the Dutch Republic was a significant center for art and intellectual exchange, though ideals of female friendship were often expressed within strict social and cultural boundaries. In this scene, we observe a woman being embraced by another who has flowers in her hair. To the right of the woman sits a cupid with wings who is holding a paintbrush. The print invites reflection on the nature of female relationships and creativity. The act of embracing in the print conveys affection and support, yet it also subtly challenges conventional norms about gender expression. Is the woman's muse another woman? This image offers a glimpse into the complex interplay between personal expression, societal expectations, and the evolving narratives of female identity in the 18th century. The print encourages us to consider how representations of women in art can both mirror and subvert the prevailing attitudes of their time.