Uit de poppenwereld 1882 - 1905

R. Greenaway created this print titled 'Uit de poppenwereld'—or 'From the World of Dolls'—sometime in the late 19th century. It offers a window into the prescribed roles of young girls during this era. The print depicts various scenes of girls engaged in domestic activities with their dolls. These vignettes illustrate the societal expectations placed on women as caregivers and homemakers. Each girl, absorbed in her play, rehearses the roles they were expected to fulfill in adulthood. This world is one of imitation, where the girls learn to mirror the behaviors and responsibilities of their mothers. The artwork resonates with a sense of innocence, yet it also subtly reinforces the limited opportunities afforded to women. By examining this print, we can reflect on the historical constraints imposed on gender and the ways in which play serves as both a reflection and a preparation for societal roles.