Boerenwoning 1732 - 1782

"Boerenwoning" is an etching made by Johanna de Bruyn, a Dutch artist active in the 18th century. During her time, women artists navigated a complex social landscape, often confined to genres deemed appropriate for their gender, such as portraiture or domestic scenes. Here, de Bruyn depicts a rural scene, a seemingly objective slice of life. Yet, within this landscape, she subtly infuses her perspective. The dwelling is framed by an overgrown tree, the presence of an anonymous figure, and a distant windmill. Consider the emotional experience of viewing this scene. There is a sense of enclosure, with nature pressing in. In the 18th century, representations of country life became increasingly popular as cities grew and became the center of economic opportunity. This etching, created by a woman who was not tied to the rural life, speaks to the gendered and class-based dynamics of labor. It reminds us of the lived realities of people, often overlooked in grand narratives.