Drie vrouwen met harken 1940 - 1945

This anonymous photograph, titled “Three women with rakes,” presents a glimpse into a specific social context that may be Dutch, given its presence in the Rijksmuseum collection. The women, dressed in clothing that suggests a mid-20th century setting, stand with rakes in what appears to be a rural or agricultural environment. The image raises questions about the role of women in Dutch society during this period. Were they involved in agricultural labor? What were their social and economic circumstances? Without more information, it is difficult to say definitively. However, we can look to broader historical trends for clues. For example, during and after the Second World War, women's roles shifted as they took on work traditionally done by men. Understanding the image requires us to consider the politics of representation and the historical conditions in which it was made. By researching the social and cultural history of the Netherlands, we can gain a deeper understanding of the lives of these women and the world they inhabited.