Zittende vrouw met een stok Possibly 1871 - 1872

Cornelis Springer created this drawing of a seated woman with a stick. Springer lived during a time of significant social change, including the decline of traditional rural life due to industrialization. The woman in this image is depicted in what appears to be traditional clothing, perhaps reflecting a longing for the past. What does it mean to depict a woman with a walking stick? Is it an item for support, or could it be seen as a symbol of authority, or even resistance? Perhaps it underscores the physical demands and constraints placed on women's bodies. While the drawing appears simple, it invites us to reflect on the lives and experiences of women, particularly in a rapidly changing world. It prompts us to consider the ways in which gender, age, and social class intersect to shape individual experiences and identities.