Twee vrouwen bij de schrijftafel van een notaris c. 1825

This print presents two women at a notary's writing table, rendered by Antoinette Cécile Hortense Haudebourt-Lescot. The central motif here is the act of documentation, underscored by the quill in the notary’s hand. This echoes the ancient tradition of scribes, figures who held societal power through their ability to record and legitimize events. We see echoes of this in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, where scribes were depicted with their tools, symbols of knowledge and authority. Notice how the notary is seated, a posture reminiscent of classical depictions of philosophers or wise men, deeply immersed in thought. Consider the contrast with the beggar boy in the corner. This juxtaposition creates a tension, a visual dialogue about access to power and literacy. This tension engages us on a subconscious level, reminding us of the inequalities inherent in society, a theme that recurs across time and cultures, continually resurfacing in art as a reflection of our collective conscience.