Oude vrouw met hoofddoek 1716 - 1789

Pieter Lyonet created this small engraving of an old woman wearing a headscarf sometime in the 18th century. This image provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in the Dutch Republic during the Enlightenment era. Lyonet, trained as a lawyer, later became a natural scientist and engraver. His combination of scientific accuracy with artistic skill made him a sought-after portraitist. The woman's attire and the style of the engraving suggest a focus on realism and capturing the details of everyday life. The Dutch Republic was known for its prosperous middle class, and the rise of portraiture reflected the growing importance of the individual in society. The woman’s simple clothing suggests a modest background, Lyonet's work gives visibility to social classes rarely seen in the fine arts. To truly understand this work, historians might examine a range of resources like engravings and studies of Dutch fashion. Through interdisciplinary research, we can better understand the social and cultural context in which art is made and interpreted.