I van Irene 1828 - 1830

Henri Grevedon created this print entitled I van Irene, in the first half of the 19th century. The print gives us a window into the construction of female identity during a time of significant social change. The subject, adorned with a feathered hat and elegant dress, embodies the era's ideal of feminine grace and beauty, yet her gaze and posture hint at a more complex interior life. During this period, women were often portrayed as passive objects of admiration, but here, there’s an attempt to suggest depth, a challenge to traditional representation. Grevedon was working during a time of shifting cultural norms, including evolving ideas about gender roles. By inviting viewers to consider the sitter's inner world, Grevedon subtly critiques the limited roles afforded to women. The print serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle to expand and redefine female identity.