Zittende vrouw met een juk op haar schouders 1700 - 1800

W. Barthautz created this watercolor titled "Zittende vrouw met een juk op haar schouders" or "Seated woman with a yoke on her shoulders". It speaks volumes about the social realities of its time. The image of a woman bearing a yoke offers a glimpse into the working lives of women. This likely comes from the 18th or early 19th century, a period defined by stark class divisions and gendered labor. The yoke itself, a tool for carrying heavy loads, symbolizes the burdens placed upon women. The woman's posture and clothing, particularly her head covering, speak to the social constraints and expectations placed upon women. Was this image made for didactic purposes? Perhaps it was a study of lower class fashion and culture. Understanding this image requires looking into the social and economic history of the time. Research into regional labor practices, gender roles, and the artist's background may shed light on the painting’s meanings and intentions.