Vrouw met bos takken op haar rug gebonden 1756 - 1797

Hendrik Willem Schweickhardt created this etching of a woman with a bundle of sticks on her back sometime in the late 18th century. At first glance, it’s a simple image, but when we consider the historical context, it tells a deeper story about the lives of working-class women. During this period, women in rural areas often faced immense economic pressures. This etching reminds us of the physical labor they endured, collecting resources like firewood to survive. Look at the woman's posture, the way she balances the weight on her back. It speaks volumes about her resilience, but also the burdens she carried. Schweickhardt’s choice to depict this scene invites us to reflect on the gendered division of labor and the social inequalities of his time. The image is not just a depiction of a woman; it’s a commentary on the lives of those whose stories often go unrecorded. It captures a moment of everyday struggle and quiet strength.