Vrouw met mand 1777 - 1779

Pieter de Mare etched this depiction of a "Woman with Basket" sometime in the late 18th century. The woman’s hands are on her hips in an age-old gesture, connoting defiance, nonchalance, or perhaps, in this case, weariness. Consider this pose—hands firmly planted on hips. We see it echo through time, from ancient figurines displaying power to Renaissance paintings where noble figures assert their dominance. This stance, laden with unspoken meaning, transcends mere posture; it speaks to something primal within us. Think of a mother scolding a child or a general addressing his troops – the emotional resonance is palpable. The image engages viewers on a deep, subconscious level. It's a non-linear, cyclical progression; it resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings in different historical contexts, reflecting our ever-changing understanding of power, emotion, and the human condition.