En gammel tyrolerinde 1822

Ernst Meyer created this print, "An Old Tyrolean Woman", sometime during his career, capturing an intimate portrait of a woman from Tyrol. Meyer, who lived from 1797 to 1861, situated his artistic practice within a period marked by significant social and political change. In this piece, Meyer confronts the viewer with the dignity and resilience etched into the woman’s face. Her traditional Tyrolean dress, complete with a distinctive hat and cross necklace, speaks to a regional and religious identity rooted in the alpine landscape. Meyer’s choice to depict an older woman is particularly interesting, given the art world's frequent focus on youth and beauty. Instead, he directs our gaze to the lived experiences marked by the lines on her face, inviting reflection on the lives of women, particularly those from marginalized communities. This image serves as a poignant reminder of the individual stories embedded within broader cultural identities.