Staande vrouw met mand op het hoofd 1840

This pencil drawing of a standing woman with a basket on her head was created by Pieter van Loon in 1840. In the 19th century, it was common to see women performing labor-intensive tasks such as carrying heavy loads. This drawing offers a glimpse into the life and labor of working-class women in the Netherlands during this era. Van Loon's choice to depict this woman highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women to the economy and society. The weight of the basket suggests the physical demands placed on women, who were frequently responsible for both domestic duties and external labor. The woman's steady gaze and posture, however, also communicate resilience. While Van Loon's drawing is representational, it invites us to reflect on the intersections of gender, class, and labor. It captures a moment in the life of a woman whose daily efforts shaped the social and economic landscape of her time.