Jonge vrouw met bijbel in haar handen 1867 - 1898

Editor: Here we have "Young Woman with Bible in Her Hands," a monochrome print from somewhere between 1867 and 1898, attributed to Auguste Tilly. The subject is a young woman, rendered in engraving and printmaking, clutching what I presume is the titular bible. It feels like a somber historical tableau. How would you interpret this work? Curator: That's a perceptive initial reaction. Given the period, the print's style, and its subject matter, several socio-historical angles are compelling. The solemn mood aligns with 19th-century notions of piety and the idealization of women as moral exemplars. What strikes me is the public role such imagery played. Consider: who was this image for? And what purpose did it serve? Editor: Hmm, a public role… I’d guess it’s related to promoting certain values? The way she holds the Bible seems almost performative. Curator: Precisely! Think about the proliferation of printed images in the 19th century and the burgeoning middle class. Such portraits, disseminated widely, reinforced specific codes of conduct and religious observance. Moreover, the 'history painting' aspect, even in a seemingly simple portrait, connects this woman to a larger narrative, embedding her in a lineage of faith. It almost hints at a historical character reimagined through the contemporary values. Do you think the artist had particular women’s societal roles in mind when he made it? Editor: That's interesting, I hadn’t thought of the broader distribution and societal impact of prints like this. Considering your point, maybe Tilly aimed to present a relatable, yet aspirational, figure embodying both piety and proper femininity within the reach of the growing middle class. It's fascinating to consider how art actively participates in shaping social values. Curator: Exactly. Reflecting on this print reveals how artistic choices intertwined with socio-political expectations, highlighting art’s dynamic role in shaping the public consciousness. Editor: I’ll never look at an old portrait the same way again.