Vissersvrouw en jongen voor een pink 1834 - 1850

Carel Christiaan Antony Last made this print of a fisherwoman and boy, but when is difficult to say as the work is undated. The print offers an intriguing glimpse into 19th-century Dutch society. The woman's traditional clothing and the presence of the fishing boat anchor us to the maritime culture of the Netherlands. But the image also hints at the socio-economic realities of the time. Consider the woman's attire, which marks her as belonging to a specific social class and occupation. How might this image have been received by different audiences? Would it have resonated with those living similar lives, or would it have served as a form of exoticism for urban dwellers? To truly understand this print, we need to delve into historical archives, explore costume studies, and consider the social and economic conditions of the Netherlands during Last's time. Only then can we fully appreciate the complex cultural narratives embedded within this seemingly simple image.