Portret van Jurriaan Pool en Rachel Pool-Ruysch 1790

Here we see a drawing by Aert Schouman, which features portraits of Jurriaan Pool and Rachel Pool-Ruysch. This work invites us to consider the professional and personal lives of artists in the 18th century. Rachel Pool-Ruysch was a renowned still-life painter, celebrated in her time for her exquisite depictions of flowers. By juxtaposing her portrait with that of her husband, also an artist, Schouman acknowledges the complex interplay between their personal relationship and professional identities. Notice how Rachel is presented within an oval frame, almost like a precious object, highlighting both her artistic skill and her role as a woman in a male-dominated art world. The inclusion of a painter’s palette adds another layer, signaling their shared profession. This drawing offers a glimpse into the intimate and creative partnership of two artists, while also raising broader questions about gender, labor, and recognition within the art world. It prompts us to reflect on the challenges and triumphs of women artists throughout history, and the ways in which their contributions have been both celebrated and marginalized.