Vissersvrouw uit Palestrina 1775

This etching, titled 'Vissersvrouw uit Palestrina,' was created by Giovanni David in the late 18th century. It presents a woman standing proudly, holding her catch, with another figure in the background near the water. Consider the lives of working-class women during this time. They often faced economic hardship and social constraints. This woman, possibly from the Italian town Palestrina, stands as a figure of resilience. She embodies the labour and strength required to provide for herself and her family, fishing being a traditionally male occupation. David’s depiction challenges conventional representations of women as passive or domestic. The way she holds the fish and meets the viewer's gaze suggests a sense of pride and self-reliance. How does this portrayal resonate with contemporary discussions about gender roles and economic empowerment? Does it offer a window into the past, while also prompting questions about the present and future of women's labor? This image becomes a space where histories of gender, class, and labor intersect.