Vrouwen bij een wieg 1785 - 1855

Pieter Kikkert created this print titled 'Vrouwen bij een wieg' - Women by a cradle - sometime in the late 18th or early 19th century. It offers us a peek into the domestic sphere and the roles of women within it. Notice the intergenerational dynamic. The younger woman, presumably the mother, is seated and holding the infant, while an older woman stands beside her. This contrast highlights the continuity of female experience and the passing down of knowledge related to childcare and domestic responsibilities. The setting is sparse, drawing our attention to the emotional connection between the women and the child. The image evokes a sense of intimacy, but also hints at the constraints placed on women's lives during this period. This artwork doesn't necessarily challenge these traditional representations, but by focusing on the everyday lives of women, Kikkert invites us to reflect on their essential contributions to society and the subtle power dynamics within the domestic sphere.