Klaproos 1811 - 1849

Maria Geertruida de Goeje-Barbiers made this study of a poppy using pen and ink. In the Netherlands, during the first half of the 19th century, flower drawing and painting became popular pastimes for women from the middle and upper classes. This intimate drawing offers a window into the artistic practices of women in 19th-century Netherlands. During this time, Dutch society largely confined women to the domestic sphere, however, art academies began to allow women to enroll in the drawing classes. We can consider how the flower as a subject reflects and reinforces traditional feminine roles. This image creates meaning through its delicate lines and close attention to detail, which aligns with societal expectations of women's artistic pursuits. The historian's role is to uncover the social and institutional contexts that shaped this work. By examining archival records, exhibition catalogs, and biographical materials, we can gain a richer understanding of the artist's life and the cultural forces that influenced her art. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on the social and institutional context in which it was created.