Straatverkoopster van Weynen papier 1833

Auguste Raffet created this hand-colored lithograph, "Straatverkoopster van Weynen papier," which translates to "Street Vendor of Weynen Paper," in nineteenth-century Paris. During this period, the role of women in the public sphere was rapidly evolving. Here, the artist presents us with a woman who defies the traditional norms. Instead of being confined to domestic roles, she's an active participant in the city's commerce. She carries her wares, Weynen paper, in a box, becoming a walking advertisement in a public space typically dominated by men. This vendor’s confident stance suggests a woman who takes pride in her work, challenging the period’s prescribed gender roles. We are left to wonder about her economic circumstances and her personal story. The artist prompts us to consider the diverse experiences of women navigating the changing social and economic landscapes of 19th-century Paris.