Portret van een oude vrouw 1863 - 1882

Etienne Gabriel Bocourt created this portrait of an old woman with etching. The image is evocative, inviting us to consider the sitter's life and the historical context that shaped her identity. What does it mean to be an aging woman in an era that often marginalizes older individuals, especially women? The woman’s clothing and head covering speak to a certain time and place, perhaps a marker of religious affiliation. There's a sense of quiet dignity in her posture and expression. Her hands clasped in front of her suggest a life of labor, devotion, and perseverance. This image offers an intimate glimpse into the life of someone whose story might otherwise go unnoticed. Bocourt is asking us to consider her place in the world. How do we value and represent older women within our cultural narratives?