Een oude vrouw leest de hand van een jong meisje 1705

Bernard Picart created this print, “An Old Woman Reads the Hand of a Young Girl,” in 1705 using etching. The image encapsulates social dynamics of the era. We see a stark contrast between the youthful, well-dressed girl and the aged fortune teller, their interaction suggesting a transaction across social strata. This was a period when social mobility was still limited, but the rising merchant class was gaining prominence. Is the old woman taking advantage of the girl's naivety? Or is she providing a service, offering hope and guidance in a world governed by rigid social norms? France at this time was under the rule of Louis XIV. The royal court held enormous cultural influence and determined matters of taste and style. This print, displayed at the Rijksmuseum, speaks volumes about the cultural and social dynamics of the time. To truly appreciate this piece, we need to delve into the history of social customs, class structures, and belief systems of the time. By consulting historical records, scholarly articles, and cultural studies, we can uncover the layers of meaning embedded in Picart's work.