Dame te paard gezeten 1840

Johan Hendrik Koelman created this drawing, “Dame te paard gezeten”, or "Lady seated on horseback" in 1840. Koelman, who came from a Dutch family of artists, captured a woman in an unusual riding habit. During the 19th century, riding sidesaddle was a gendered performance. It symbolized a woman's restricted role in society, while it alluded to notions of female empowerment. Seated on horseback, the woman assumes a position that was typically reserved for men, defying conventions and asserting a degree of independence. She holds a riding crop in her hand, suggesting a sense of control and agency. Yet, she is confined by her elaborate dress, emphasizing the performative nature of her role. The drawing invites us to consider the nuances of identity and gender in the 19th century, where women navigated the boundaries of tradition. It's a snapshot of a moment in time, full of social expectations and the stirrings of change.