Dubbelportret van Elisabeth Bekker en Agatha Deken 1784

Antoine Alexandre Joseph Cardon created this double portrait of Elisabeth Bekker and Agatha Deken using etching, a printmaking technique. Within the decorative oval frames are two Dutch writers who, during the late 18th century, produced poetry, essays, and novels together. Their most famous work, "Historie van Sara Burgerhart", is considered the first Dutch novel. These women existed within the Enlightenment, a time in Europe when reason and individualism were emphasized. Bekker and Deken were part of a movement that sought to improve education and social conditions for women, and they were involved in philanthropic work and wrote about social issues. This portrait memorializes their intellectual partnership, as they challenged the limitations placed on women’s roles. The emotional connection conveyed through this piece and their shared pursuit of knowledge invites us to reflect on the importance of collaboration and solidarity in the face of societal expectations.