Portret van Elizabeth Mouton als kind 1877 - 1950

Barbara Elisabeth van Houten made this etching on paper, entitled 'Portret van Elizabeth Mouton als kind', in the Netherlands. The image shows a close-up view of a child's face, framed by a bonnet. Van Houten was working at a time of increasing professionalization for women artists, as art academies began admitting women and new exhibition venues opened up to them. This etching, with its intimate portrayal of childhood, reflects a broader cultural interest in domestic life and the role of women within the family. The choice of etching as a medium allowed for the creation of multiple prints, making the artwork more accessible to a wider audience. The image also speaks to a growing market for images of children in the late 19th century, reflecting changing attitudes towards childhood and family life. To truly understand this work, we need to examine the social and institutional context in which it was made. We can use archival materials, exhibition catalogues, and biographical information about the artist.