Vrouw met ezel, schaap en hond c. 1789 - 1859

Pieter de Goeje's drawing depicts a woman with a donkey, sheep, and dog, and invites us to consider the social and cultural contexts of 19th-century rural life. It's tempting to see a romanticized view of labor, yet this small drawing also speaks to the realities of women's work. Her posture, the set of her jaw, tell us something about the effort and persistence required. The artist leaves the status of the woman ambiguous, which gives her an individual presence, rather than making her a symbol. The presence of the donkey, sheep and dog invite us to consider labor, companionship and survival. It isn't just a pastoral scene; it’s a glimpse into a world where the lines between human and animal existence are blurred, each relying on the other. This piece offers a quiet meditation on the everyday, and prompts us to reflect on the lives of those often unseen.