Wandelend paar in bos 1835 - 1903

Auguste Serrure created this graphite drawing, titled 'Wandelend paar in bos', which translates to 'Walking Couple in the Woods'. We see a man and woman, likely of the upper class, enjoying a stroll in the woods. The man, with his powdered wig and tricorn hat, is turned towards the woman, who seems to be looking up at the trees. Serrure, working in the 19th century, was part of a society where class distinctions shaped every aspect of life. The leisure to wander in nature was a privilege, reflecting social status and cultural values. The drawing evokes a sense of romanticism and perhaps an idealized vision of nature. But it also hints at the social constraints and gendered roles of the time, where women's lives were often confined to the domestic sphere and subject to societal expectations. Does the woman share the same joy in nature as the man, or is she merely fulfilling a social role? 'Wandelend paar in bos' offers a glimpse into a bygone era, inviting us to reflect on the complex interplay of nature, class, and gender in shaping our experiences and perceptions.