Balletscène met oude vrouwen met eieren 1865 - 1868

Charles Rochussen created this lithograph, "Ballet scene with old women with eggs," at an unknown date. It offers a satirical commentary on societal expectations of women in 19th-century Europe. At first glance, the scene is carnivalesque, featuring caricatured elderly women holding oversized eggs, evoking a sense of the absurd. However, Rochussen critiques the limited roles available to women, particularly in the performing arts. The "ballet scene" suggests the superficiality of entertainment and the objectification of female performers. The aged women, with their exaggerated features and costumes, challenge conventional beauty standards. The eggs symbolize fertility and societal pressure on women to reproduce, reflecting the restrictive gender norms of the time. Rochussen questions these expectations, highlighting the absurdity of reducing women to their reproductive capabilities. This print invites viewers to reflect on the societal constraints placed on women. It's a reminder that art can serve as a powerful tool for social critique, challenging us to confront and dismantle oppressive structures.