Portret van een jonge vrouw met hoed die uit het raam kijkt 1756 - 1817

Louis Bernard Coclers made this etching of a young woman with a feathered hat, gazing out of a window, sometime in the late 18th century. The print gives us a glimpse into the fashion and social life of the Dutch bourgeoisie. The woman’s elaborate hat and ruffled dress signal her membership in the upper class, and her idle posture suggests a life of leisure. But her gaze out the window could be interpreted as a sign of boredom or dissatisfaction with the restrictions placed on women during this period. As historians, we might explore how this image participates in larger conversations about gender roles, class, and social change in the Netherlands during the Enlightenment. We could consult fashion plates, conduct archival research, and study the literature of the time to better understand the social context of this image. Ultimately, it's through such careful examination of the social and institutional context that we can gain a deeper appreciation of this work of art.