-Dutch Girl- still bank c. 1900

This anonymous still bank, known as "Dutch Girl," embodies more than just a place to store coins. Its cultural origins reflect a time when European aesthetics and values were often idealized. Consider the image of the "Dutch Girl" herself. How does she represent ideas about gender? Her closed eyes and demure features might evoke the conventional attributes of femininity. The Dutch clothing suggests an association with foreign cultures and a romanticized view of otherness, all while the anonymous character depersonalizes this character. Still banks like this one were often marketed to children, subtly teaching them about money but also about the world. What does it mean to start saving in a container that reflects certain cultural values? What happens to our perceptions when those values are embedded in the objects we use? As you look at this bank, think about the stories it tells, not just about saving money, but about how we see ourselves and others.