Koopvrouw 1834 - 1882

Adrien Joseph Verhoeven-Ball created this print, titled Koopvrouw, using etching. The image depicts a female merchant, or "koopvrouw," amidst her wares. Likely created in 19th-century Netherlands, it provides a glimpse into the economic activities of women in that period. We see the merchant surrounded by produce, suggesting her role in the local marketplace. The image invites consideration of the social and economic structures that shaped the lives of women like this koopvrouw. Was she an independent entrepreneur, or part of a larger family enterprise? What kind of social networks sustained her business? Understanding the historical context of the art trade at the time can shed light on the social role of art and the market for images like this. By consulting archives and other historical sources, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the social conditions that shape artistic production.