Oude vrouw met bontmuts 1642 - 1664

This etching, "Old Woman with a Fur Hat," was made by Cornelis Bega during the Dutch Golden Age. Bega, like many genre painters of his time, often depicted peasants and lower-class individuals. During this period, Dutch art began to focus on everyday life, offering glimpses into the lives of ordinary people. Yet, there was also a tendency to stereotype these individuals, often portraying them in ways that reinforced existing social hierarchies. The lines etched here capture the weight of her years, but also a sense of resilience. The fur hat, a symbol of warmth and perhaps status, contrasts with the lines etched on her face, telling tales of hardship and survival. What does it mean to truly see someone, especially when society has already defined their place? How much of what we see is shaped by our own biases and expectations? This image serves as a powerful reminder of the complexities inherent in representation and the importance of looking beyond stereotypes to recognize the humanity in each individual.