Zittende boerin op de rug gezien 1728 - 1789

Jacob Hoolaart created this etching, titled 'Seated peasant woman seen from the back', sometime in the 18th century. During this period, Dutch art often depicted rural life, yet these portrayals frequently romanticized the realities of peasant labor. In this small print, Hoolaart resists idealization by showing us the woman from behind, her face hidden. This perspective distances us, inviting contemplation rather than sentimentality. The woman’s posture suggests a moment of rest, but her work-worn hands tell a story of relentless labor. How does Hoolaart’s choice to obscure her face affect our understanding of her identity? Does it universalize her experience, or does it erase her individuality? This image captures a quiet, personal moment, yet it also speaks to broader issues of gender, class, and the often-unseen labor that sustains society. It reminds us to consider whose stories are told and how they are told.