Opstellen van het testament van de arme vrouw c. 1640 - 1660

George Lejuge created the etching, "Opstellen van het testament van de arme vrouw," which translates to "Drawing up the will of the poor woman", a piece that invites us to reflect on the social realities and the roles of women in the society of its time. In this scene, Lejuge presents what appears to be the final moments of a woman's life as those around her prepare her last will. The image is imbued with themes of poverty, mortality, and perhaps a critique of the social structures that leave women vulnerable. It prompts us to consider the lives of women who, due to their economic status, were often at the mercy of societal norms and expectations. The domestic setting, with its sparse furnishings and somber atmosphere, heightens the emotional weight of the scene. The etching serves as a reminder of the precariousness of life and the importance of social support, while the characters reflect their own values, prejudices, and indifference towards the dying woman. In the end, the artwork becomes a mirror reflecting our own attitudes towards those on the margins of society.