Schrijven aan het strand 1872

Christiaan Lodewijk van Kesteren created "Writing on the Beach," a work now held at the Rijksmuseum, using an engraving technique. This image captures a woman, likely a member of the Dutch upper class given her attire, seated by the sea, deeply engrossed in writing. In the 19th century, there was a burgeoning interest in representing women in intellectual and creative roles, challenging the restrictive societal expectations of the time. Yet, these depictions often remained within the confines of acceptable femininity, portraying women as sensitive and contemplative rather than overtly assertive or political. The act of writing, in this context, becomes a powerful, albeit subtle, form of self-expression and agency. It raises questions about the role of women in shaping cultural and intellectual life during a period of significant social change. This engraving invites us to consider the intersection of gender, class, and creativity in the 19th century. It asks us to reflect on the ways in which women navigated and negotiated their identities through art and literature.