Handwerkende vrouw 1680 - 1727

Pieter Pickaert created this print of a woman working, sometime between 1669 and 1737. During Pickaert's lifetime, Dutch society was deeply structured by gender roles. Women were largely confined to the domestic sphere, their labor often unseen and unacknowledged. This print offers an intimate glimpse into the life of a working woman. The soft lighting and focused composition draw our attention to her hands, highlighting the skill and labor involved in her craft. She isn't presented in a traditional pose, which challenges societal expectations. The image prompts us to consider the intersection of gender and labor in the 18th century. Consider how the print invites us to contemplate the lives and experiences of women, who quietly contributed to the economic and social fabric of their communities. It serves as a poignant reminder of the value and dignity of all work, regardless of gender.