Jonge vrouw met boek 1617 - 1674

Jan Lievens created this etching, "Young Woman with a Book", using traditional printmaking techniques. During the 17th century, the Dutch Golden Age, there was a growing merchant class with more disposable income. Art became more accessible to people outside the aristocracy. Here, the young woman depicted with a book offers an interesting perspective on women's literacy and intellectual life during that time. We might ask ourselves, who was she, and what was she reading? While her clothing and jewelry might indicate a certain level of economic status, her gaze seems introspective. The book becomes a symbol of knowledge, but also perhaps of personal growth and inner life. Lievens was known for his close association with Rembrandt. In some ways, this intimate portrait challenges the conventional representations of women, inviting us to consider the complexities of identity, knowledge, and representation in art.