Erepenning van de Nederlandsche Vereeniging van Huisvrouwen 1925 - 1940

Curator: This is an interesting little piece: the "Erepenning van de Nederlandsche Vereeniging van Huisvrouwen," or Honor Medal of the Dutch Housewives Association, dating from between 1925 and 1940. Gerritsen en Van Kempen were the artists responsible for its creation. Editor: It looks like a rather quaint token. It seems…almost medieval. It makes me wonder about what values it was intended to promote through decorative art? Curator: Well, considering the historical context, this medal undoubtedly reinforced the conventional role of women during that era. Medals like this, especially issued by a housewives' association, aimed to celebrate and reward domesticity and service to the family. Editor: It makes me curious, this tree on the medal - is that some sort of life tree or symbolic expression of productivity or family abundance? Curator: Absolutely, there's likely a purposeful message behind it. If we were to look closer into its design, the symbolic representation with a fruiting tree represents the bounty and prosperity of the household, a direct reflection of a housewife's "success." The metal itself also conveys messages of solidity and durability, traits then strongly associated with women's roles in maintaining domestic stability. Editor: Looking at it now, one can wonder what “devotion”, or "toewijding" was expected of Dutch women? Or what does it suggest for the relationship of housewives with the Dutch state and its society during this period? Curator: Certainly. This kind of award subtly suggests ways of performing "ideal" Dutch womanhood. It’s crucial for us to decode such imagery. It gives light to the unspoken socio-political agendas from that time. Editor: Indeed. Examining even the smallest details like this medal unveils some very potent social values that are crucial in shaping perspectives around gender and class. Thanks for bringing these elements of thought to light! Curator: You're welcome. It is a small object, but, as is the case with much of art, it can lead to a very complex set of issues.