Vrouw met sluier 1883 - 1888

Matthijs Maris created this etching, titled 'Vrouw met sluier,' on paper during a period of significant social change and evolving artistic expression. Maris, working in the late 19th century, captured the delicate profile of a woman, her face partially obscured by a veil. The veil itself is a potent symbol, laden with cultural and historical meanings. It suggests both concealment and revelation, hinting at the complex roles women occupied in society. Was Maris exploring themes of identity, perhaps commenting on the constraints placed upon women, or was he interested in the play of light and shadow, using the veil as a means to soften the model's features? Maris's choice of the etching technique adds another layer to the work, as the intricate lines create a sense of depth and texture, emphasizing the veil's materiality while also contributing to an overall mood of introspection. The piece invites us to consider the gaze, both that of the artist and our own. What do we project onto the veiled woman, and what does she conceal from us?