Spotprent met een forse Scheveningse vrouw begeleid door twee jonge vrouwen, 1872 1872

This print by Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans from 1872 depicts a stout woman from Scheveningen being escorted into the sea by two younger women. The image operates as a subtle commentary on Dutch society during a period of rapid modernization. The woman's traditional attire contrasts sharply with the more modern dresses of her companions, highlighting generational differences and shifting social norms. The setting itself, the beach, was becoming an increasingly popular leisure destination, reflecting changing attitudes towards recreation and the body. The print likely appeared in a satirical publication, using humor to critique the perceived backwardness of certain segments of the population. To truly understand such an image, we delve into the visual culture of the Netherlands at this time, examining popular magazines, newspapers, and other forms of mass media. Only then can we begin to grasp the nuances of its message and its impact on contemporary audiences.