Dorsende vrouwen voor een boerderij in Castelnuovo di Magra te Italië 1841 - 1857

This pencil drawing, showing women working on a farm in Castelnuovo di Magra, Italy, was made by Johan Daniël Koelman. During the 19th century, travel throughout Europe became more accessible, and artists ventured out in search of scenes that captured both the picturesque and the everyday life of the working class. In this unassuming scene, the women’s labor is central. This was a time when women in rural communities often bore the brunt of agricultural work. The image subtly touches on the intersection of gender and class, highlighting the often-unseen labor of women in rural settings. The stooped postures of the women suggest the physical demands of their work. Koelman’s choice to depict this scene invites us to consider the lives and experiences of these women. While seemingly simple, the drawing quietly acknowledges the realities of rural life. It underscores the emotional and personal dimensions of those whose stories often go untold.