Vissersvrouwen sjouwen (vermoedelijk) bakken met vangst op het strand bij Arcachon 1897

This is a vintage photograph, most likely from the late 19th or early 20th century, attributed to the artist Delizy. It captures what is believed to be fisherwomen carrying crates of catch on the beach near Arcachon. This image provides a glimpse into the lives of working-class women in coastal France, a region where fishing was a crucial part of the economy. The visual codes of clothing and labor emphasize the arduous work undertaken by women in this industry. Cultural references such as the landscape and the traditional fishing boats contribute to the sense of place and time. We can consider questions about social class and gender roles in the context of this image. How did social hierarchies shape the experiences of these women? Was this image meant to celebrate or comment on the social structures of its time? Historical research into the fishing industry in Arcachon and the roles of women in the workforce can help us to understand this photograph better. The meaning of art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.