Zieke vrouw komt uit haar bed 1778 - 1785

This is an engraving by Noach van der Meer II, titled 'Sick Woman Getting Out of Bed'. The artwork provides us with a glimpse into the intimate world of 18th-century domestic life and the gendered roles within it. The image depicts a woman being assisted out of a canopied bed by two figures, presumably servants, while a man, likely her husband or doctor, looks on. We can consider this scene in light of the era's understanding of women's health and societal expectations, where women were often seen as frail and in need of constant care. The woman's dependency is palpable, as she dangles from the bed canopy while the servants tend to her needs. It speaks volumes about the complex interplay of gender, class, and health, inviting us to reflect on the historical experiences of women and the power dynamics within the domestic sphere.