Portret van B. van der Meulen 1916

Jo Koster created this drypoint print of B. van der Meulen, capturing the subject in a moment of relaxed contemplation. Koster, born in the Netherlands, navigated the art world at a time when women were gaining more access but still faced considerable gendered expectations. This portrait challenges traditional representations by portraying van der Meulen in a somewhat masculine style: the sitter’s unbuttoned shirt, and the confident posture push the boundaries of early 20th-century femininity. What resonates most is the sitter's direct gaze, it suggests an invitation to witness her individuality. Through this work, Koster offers a glimpse into the complex negotiations of identity and representation that women artists and subjects experienced during this transformative period.