Vrouw in een tuniek en omslagdoek met een schaal in haar hand 1815

Jonkvrouw Elisabeth Kemper created this ink drawing of a woman in a tunic and shawl holding a bowl, sometime in the first half of the 19th century. Born into the Dutch nobility, Kemper navigated a society undergoing significant transformations, marked by shifting class structures and evolving roles for women. Her personal experiences and social standing likely influenced her artistic expression, leading her to explore themes of identity and representation. In this piece, we see a figure adorned in classical garb. While referencing historical aesthetics, the woman’s posture and expression evoke a sense of contemplation. Did Kemper intend to create a likeness of a woman of her time, or to suggest an alternative narrative? The use of ink lends itself to a precise quality, but also allows for a certain emotional vulnerability. As you consider this image, allow yourself to reflect on the ways we navigate history while shaping personal and collective identities.