Monnik toont een boek aan een vrouw, 13e eeuw 1864 - 1865

Frans Molenaar created this image of a monk showing a book to a woman in the 19th century, in the style of the 13th century. During the 1800s, there was a significant interest in historical narratives. The artwork presents a romanticized view of the medieval period, a common theme in 19th-century art and literature. This imagined past often served as a commentary on contemporary society. The image subtly plays with gender roles, contrasting the woman, adorned and seated, with the monk who is standing. This image reflects broader discussions about the roles of religion, knowledge, and gender within society. Molenaar invites us to reflect on how we construct our understanding of the past.