Jonge vrouw met een mantel met capuchon 1827 - 1851

Jean-Baptiste Madou created this print of a young woman in a hooded cloak, sometime in the 19th century. It gives us a glimpse into the visual culture of Belgium at that time. Madou was known for his lithographs, which were relatively inexpensive to produce. This meant that images could be widely distributed, shaping popular ideas and tastes. In this print, the young woman's clothing and demure pose speak to prevailing notions of femininity. The delicate rendering of her face and the intricate details of her bonnet also demonstrate the skill of the artist, elevating the print beyond a mere reproduction. Madou’s work reflects the values of the rising middle class in Belgium, and its focus on domesticity, morality, and sentimentalism. Studying prints like this can tell us a lot about the social structures of the time. We can learn more by consulting fashion plates, literature, and other visual media. Each helps to give a fuller picture of the complex world in which this image was made and consumed.