Zwemschool te Utrecht 1856

Pieter Wilhelmus van de Weijer created this print called "Zwemschool te Utrecht," or "Swimming School in Utrecht." It was made sometime during the 19th century using etching and possibly other techniques. During this period, there was a growing interest in public health and hygiene. Swimming schools were established to promote water safety and physical fitness, but who had access to them? In this image we see men both in the water and on the bank, but no women. What does it mean that women were excluded from this space? This absence reflects the social norms and gender roles of the time. The act of learning to swim, a potentially life-saving skill, becomes gendered. It also reflects the physical constraints placed on women during that time, through social norms and expectations regarding their physical activities. This image highlights the uneven distribution of resources and opportunities along gender lines.