Vrouw met sluier 1883 - 1888

This is "Vrouw met sluier," or "Woman with Veil," by Matthijs Maris, an etching made sometime in the late 19th century. Maris was part of the Hague School, a group of Dutch artists who embraced a muted, melancholic aesthetic. His work often explores themes of memory and inner experience. Here, the veil becomes more than just an article of clothing; it's a symbol of concealment, both physical and emotional. Consider the historical context: veils have been used across cultures to signify modesty, mourning, or mystery. Maris blurs the line between the personal and the universal. His woman invites us to reflect on the ways women are seen, and how they obscure themselves. There's a quiet power in this image. It speaks to the complexities of female identity, and the delicate balance between revealing and concealing oneself.