Kippen en kuikens 1834 - 1906

Here we have "Kippen en kuikens" (Hens and Chicks), a drawing by Maria Vos, created sometime in the 19th century. Vos, living from 1824 to 1906, navigated the art world during a time of significant societal change, including shifting roles for women. The page features multiple sketches of hens and chicks, exploring their forms and movements. Vos’s choice of subject matter reflects the prevailing artistic interests of her time, which often celebrated rural life and the natural world. However, as a woman artist, her access to certain subjects and genres was often limited, making her focus on domestic animals possibly reflective of societal expectations. Despite these constraints, Vos brought a keen eye and delicate touch to her work, capturing the subtle nuances of her subjects with sensitivity and skill. This work invites us to reflect on the intersections of gender, class, and artistic expression in the 19th century.