Boerin van Walcheren Possibly 1897

Hendrik Johannes Haverman created this lithograph titled 'Boerin van Walcheren,’ or ‘Female Farmer of Walcheren,’ which is in the Rijksmuseum. Haverman lived during a time of significant social change, particularly regarding the representation of rural populations. Here, we see an elderly woman in profile, her face etched with the marks of time and labor. The traditional clothing identifies her as being from Walcheren, a region in the Netherlands. Haverman's choice to depict her in such detail invites contemplation on the lives of rural women and the dignity of aging. Her gaze is directed away, perhaps reflecting a life lived in quiet contemplation and hard work. Rather than idealizing the woman, Haverman seems intent on capturing her humanity, inviting us to reflect on our own perceptions of beauty, aging, and the value we place on lived experience. This deeply personal portrayal challenges us to reconsider the narratives we construct around identity and history.