Ontwerp voor In Holland staat een Huis: silhouet van een familie in de tuin, met de meid en tuinman 1884 - 1917

Nelly Bodenheim created this silhouette design for a book in the Netherlands, sometime in the early twentieth century. The scene represents a Dutch family in their garden. We see the parents enjoying drinks under a tree, while a maid and child play with a dog. In the background, a gardener tends to his work. The art of silhouette was popular for children’s books and decorations in this period. It’s interesting to consider how such images of domestic life reflect the strict social hierarchy of the time, with each member of the household clearly defined by their role and class. The depiction of women and servants is especially telling. To understand Bodenheim’s work better, we can research the history of Dutch children’s literature and the role of women in Dutch society during the early 1900s. We might also look into the Rijksmuseum’s collection for other examples of silhouette art from this period, paying close attention to how social roles are visually constructed.