Vrouw met hoedendoos 1832 - 1902

This print, made by Karel Frederik Bombled, shows a woman carrying a hat box, and gives us a glimpse into Dutch society of the 19th century. The woman, modestly dressed, walks past a wall plastered with advertisements, one of which seems to be promoting a ball. The hat box suggests a certain level of social status, hinting at participation in social events and adherence to fashion trends. Bombled's choice of subject matter reflects the increasing visibility and importance of the middle class in Dutch society during this period. As the Dutch economy expanded, so too did the size and influence of the bourgeoisie, who became patrons of the arts and subjects of artistic representation. To fully understand the print, one might delve into archives documenting Dutch fashion trends or studies of the social function of balls and other social gatherings. The art historian sees meaning not just in the image itself, but in the web of social and institutional relationships that give rise to it.