Boerenvrouw met twee manden 1843 - 1845

This pencil drawing of a peasant woman with two baskets was made by Hendrik Abraham Klinkhamer in the early to mid-19th century. In this period, art often romanticized rural life, but here, Klinkhamer’s sketch offers a more grounded perspective. The woman is depicted carrying what appear to be heavy loads. Her posture, the set of her jaw, and the simple clothing all speak to the physical demands and lack of material comforts that defined the lives of rural women. It’s difficult to know Klinkhamer’s intent; was he highlighting the dignity of labor, or simply documenting a social reality? What resonates is the woman’s quiet strength, which pushes back against idealized versions of femininity. The sketch invites us to consider the intersections of gender, class, and labor, urging us to look past stereotypes and connect with the lived experiences of women like this one.