Portret van 'Juf Baelde', mogelijk Maria Bisdom c. 1725 - 1770

This is a pencil drawing of ‘Juf Baelde’, possibly Maria Bisdom, made by Dionys van Nijmegen in the 18th century. This portrait provides us with a glimpse into the world of the Dutch bourgeoisie. The sitter's identity is somewhat mysterious, but her clothing and bearing suggest a woman of some status within her community. Made during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by economic prosperity and cultural flourishing, it reflects the values and aesthetics of the time. We can appreciate the artist's skill in capturing the likeness and character of the sitter, while also recognizing the social and cultural context in which the work was created. To fully understand this artwork, we might explore archival records, genealogical databases, and period literature. By placing the artwork within its institutional and social history, we can understand how the meaning of this portrait is contingent on its historical context.