Vrouw met een kist of mand aan haar arm Possibly 1870 - 1877

This sketch of a woman carrying a box or basket was created by Cornelis Springer, a Dutch artist known for his architectural and cityscapes. This drawing gives us a glimpse into the everyday lives of women during the 19th century. At first glance, it seems like a simple portrayal, but it speaks volumes about the gendered expectations and labor of the time. Notice how the woman is bent, burdened by the weight of her load. The image subtly reveals the physical demands placed on women, often unseen and unacknowledged. Springer doesn't romanticize or idealize the woman. There is a raw, unvarnished quality to the sketch, highlighting the realities of her daily existence. In a society that often confined women to domestic roles, this drawing serves as a reminder of their resilience and strength, and also of the burdens they were expected to carry, both literally and figuratively. It invites us to reflect on the stories of labor, survival, and perseverance behind such images.