Vrouwen en kinderen vallen man aan 1832 - 1897

Alexander Ver Huell produced this drawing titled 'Women and children attack man' in the Netherlands, though its precise date remains unknown. It’s currently held in the Rijksmuseum. The visual codes at play here portray a chaotic scene of domestic upheaval. We see a man, presumably the father, beset by a horde of women and children. The title itself, with its ironic overtones, suggests a commentary on social roles and power dynamics within the Dutch family structure. Made in the 19th century, a period of significant social and political change across Europe, the drawing offers a glimpse into the anxieties and tensions surrounding traditional gender roles and familial expectations. The Rijksmuseum, as a national institution, plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative around Dutch identity and cultural values. This image perhaps offered a progressive challenge to conservative family structures. To fully grasp the meaning, we would need to research the social history of family life in the Netherlands. By consulting archival sources and contemporary accounts, we can gain a richer understanding of the artwork.