Het vyfde bedryf 1894 - 1901

Antoon Derkinderen created this artwork, titled "Het vijfde bedryf," using a technique involving watercolour, charcoal and pencil. Derkinderen lived through a transformative period in Dutch history marked by industrialization and social change. He was deeply engaged with the cultural movements of his time. His artwork shows an engagement with themes of national identity and historical consciousness, and it reflects an interest in medieval art. The idealized figure on the left could be viewed through the lens of gender representation. Derkinderen presents a figure of ethereal beauty that aligns with the period's romanticized ideals of womanhood and the expectations that were prevalent at the time. The Amsterdam coat of arms indicates civic pride, and it reflects the increasing awareness of regional and national identities. The artist is balancing the representation of the feminine with the symbols of civic identity. This piece invites us to consider the interplay between personal identity, community, and nationhood.