Vrouw met mantel 1828

Anthonie Willem Hendrik Nolthenius de Man created this print of a ‘Vrouw met mantel’ – or woman with a coat – around 1828. The image gives us a glimpse into the cultural and social life of the Netherlands during the early 19th century. The woman’s dress, particularly the long fur-lined coat and hood, speaks to the period’s fashion and the practical needs dictated by the climate. The detailed rendering of the cobblestone street suggests an urban setting, inviting us to imagine the woman as part of a bustling city life. Yet, there is also something isolating about her solitary figure. She seems to be shielding herself, her face partially obscured by the hood and her hand. This image captures a moment in time, reflecting the intersection of personal identity, social environment, and cultural expression. It offers a nuanced portrait of a woman navigating her world, marking the emotional and material realities of her existence in the Netherlands of the 1820s.