Deernis 1675 - 1737

Pieter van den Berge made this watercolor and graphite drawing entitled 'Deernis' which translates to 'Compassion' during the Dutch Golden Age, a time of great cultural and economic flourishing in the Netherlands, but also a period marked by stark social hierarchies and gendered expectations. The drawing depicts a woman tending to a fallen figure, a tender act suggesting themes of care and empathy. Yet, within the context of its time, the work subtly challenges the prescribed roles of women. Rather than portraying a scene of domesticity or idealized beauty, van den Berge captures a moment of active compassion. It invites us to consider the emotional labor often performed by women, frequently unseen and undervalued. By portraying a woman as a caregiver outside the domestic sphere, van den Berge hints at alternative narratives of female agency and strength. It acknowledges the crucial roles women played in providing comfort and support within their communities.