Boerenvrouw met een mand 1820 - 1872

Hendrik Abraham Klinkhamer sketched “Boerenvrouw met een mand” which translates to “A Farmer’s wife with a basket” some time in the mid-19th century. This drawing provides a glimpse into the lives of rural women during a period of significant social and economic change in the Netherlands. We see a woman bent under the weight of her labor, carrying a heavy load. While seemingly simple, Klinkhamer’s sketch touches on complex themes related to gender and class. The image subtly acknowledges the essential, yet often undervalued, labor of women in agricultural communities. Without idealizing rural life, the artist captures a sense of dignity in her work. The sketch invites us to reflect on the lives and contributions of women who shaped the social fabric of the Netherlands. What feelings does this piece evoke in you?