Lezende vrouw 1869 - 1900

Auguste Roedel created this print titled 'Lezende Vrouw' sometime during the late 19th century. Roedel was working during a time when there were shifting expectations around women’s roles in society. This image depicts a seated woman, elegantly dressed, absorbed in a book. The words "Ex Libris" suggest this was created as a bookplate, a marker of ownership and identity. In the 19th century, the rise of literacy and the expansion of the publishing industry allowed women greater access to literature and education. This image presents an alternative narrative to traditional representations, portraying her intellectual engagement rather than domestic duties. Roedel’s work highlights the complex interplay between gender, class, and intellectual life in the 19th century, inviting us to consider the emotional and personal dimensions of female readership.