Vrouw met een beladen ezel op een landweg bij Saint-Jeannet 1903

This is a photograph entitled "Vrouw met een beladen ezel op een landweg bij Saint-Jeannet" by Delizy, and it is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. In this image, we see a woman walking alongside a donkey laden with goods on a country road near Saint-Jeannet. The photograph captures a moment of everyday life, yet it also invites us to consider the social and economic realities of the time. Who was this woman, and what was the nature of her labor? How does this portrayal of rural life intersect with broader narratives of gender, class, and regional identity in late 19th century France? The photograph’s muted tones evoke a sense of nostalgia, yet its depiction of labor also acknowledges the hardships faced by many women in rural communities. The woman’s labor is juxtaposed with the scenic landscape, asking us to consider the relationship between human activity and the natural environment. This image offers a glimpse into a specific time and place, inviting reflection on the lives and experiences of those who often go unseen.