Man rustend op een open plek in een bos 1852 - 1906

Emilie Rolin-Jacquemijns created this etching of a man resting in a forest clearing sometime during the late 19th century. Rolin-Jacquemijns, who came from an upper-class background, defied expectations by pursuing art, a field where women had limited opportunities. The lone figure in the print is a representation of the period's growing interest in nature and individualism. Note that the man seems at peace, blending into the landscape. During the late 1800s, the ability to enjoy leisure time was heavily influenced by social standing. Leisure and nature was often depicted as a male privilege. The piece evokes a sense of calm, but it also subtly questions these social norms by inviting viewers to consider who has access to these quiet moments of reflection. In this way, Rolin-Jacquemijns prompts us to reflect on the relationship between personal identity and the broader social structures of her time.