Drie meisjes met poppen 1777 - 1779

This small drawing was made by Pieter de Mare sometime in the 18th century. It shows three girls with dolls, rendered in simple lines, yet brimming with symbolic weight. The dolls, central to this scene, are not mere playthings; they are miniature effigies, embodying the girls’ nascent understanding of adulthood, of societal roles and expectations. This reflects back to ancient Greece, where dolls were linked to fertility rituals. Consider, too, the recurring motif of the 'puppet master' found in art across cultures, where dolls or puppets are controlled by unseen forces, mirroring human destiny. Observe the melancholic gaze of the central figure. It evokes a sense of introspection, a quiet contemplation of the future—a sentiment that resonates deeply, connecting viewers across generations through shared, subconscious recognition. These symbols create a powerful force, engaging us on a deep, subconscious level.