Jonge vrouw met waaier 1670 - 1724

Jacob Gole created this print of a young woman with a fan in the Netherlands, sometime between 1660 and 1737. The image presents us with a young woman, elegantly dressed, holding a fan. The fan and rose suggest a certain coquettishness, but the setting also speaks to the values of the Dutch Republic. Made during the Dutch Golden Age, this print reflects the era's focus on portraiture and everyday life. Unlike the aristocratic art of other European nations, Dutch art often celebrated domesticity and individual character. The Rijksmuseum itself, where this print resides, emerged from a desire to preserve and showcase Dutch national identity through art. To truly understand this print, we can delve into the social customs of the time. Etiquette manuals and fashion trends provide insight into the role of fans and clothing in courtship rituals. By exploring such historical resources, we can appreciate how Gole's work captures the nuances of Dutch society and the evolving status of women within it.