Udkast til en kvindedragt, en ældre kone svøbt i lange klæder 1743 - 1809

Nicolai Abildgaard created this watercolor and pencil work, “Draft for a Woman’s Costume: An Elderly Woman Wrapped in Long Clothes," now held at the SMK, sometime between 1760 and 1800. It offers us a glimpse into the dress and the social identity of women during the late 18th century. Abildgaard's choice to depict an older woman swathed in traditional clothing invites reflection on the societal roles assigned to women, particularly as they aged. The long clothes suggest modesty, but might also point to the limitations placed on women's expression and movement. The watercolor medium lends a softness to the portrayal, perhaps softening the harder realities of women’s lives during this period. Her folded arms seem to suggest a protective stance or a moment of quiet contemplation. As we consider Abildgaard's "Draft," we can reflect on the complex interplay between clothing, identity, and societal expectations, and how they shape our understanding of women's experiences in history.