Omslagontwerp voor: H.C. Rogge e.a., De negentiende eeuw in woord en beeld, 1899 1899

Reinier Willem Petrus de Vries created this cover design for 'The Nineteenth Century in Word and Image' in 1899. The Dutch fin-de-siècle was a period marked by rapid social changes and artistic experimentation. The cover features a nude female figure, reminiscent of classical allegories, yet here, she symbolizes the spirit of the 19th century. She boldly holds up a torch shedding light on the new era. Flanking her are symbols that would have resonated deeply with the cultural and intellectual climate of the time such as the symbols of monarchy and industry. It is a reflection of the period's cultural and political ideals. Yet, the artwork also invites questions about the representation of women and the complex relationship between the body and the state. The woman is sensual but not sexualized. She has an expression of self-assuredness. In this moment of transition, what aspects of the 19th century does the artist want us to take forward, and what is being left behind?