Sculptuur van een kabouter die een vrouw met een emmer water laat schrikken before 1885

This sculpture depicts a scene with a woman and a gnome, though its specific origins and creator remain unknown. The dynamic between the figures, where the gnome startles the woman, introduces themes of power and vulnerability. Such portrayals often reflect broader social anxieties and cultural norms. Historically, gnomes in folklore are ambiguous figures, sometimes mischievous or even malicious, and their interaction with humans carries symbolic weight. The woman carrying a bucket, a symbol of labor and daily life, highlights her position within a patriarchal society. How does the anonymous nature of the artwork affect our reading of the piece? Consider how gender and folklore intersect here, possibly reflecting or challenging conventional representations of women and mythical beings. This piece invites us to consider the emotional and personal dimensions of power dynamics.