Vrouw en kind met cavia Possibly 1772 - 1833

Mathias de Sallieth made this watercolor and pen drawing of a woman and child with a guinea pig in the late 18th century, probably in the Netherlands. The image presents a working-class woman who has a child tied to her back and carries a basket containing a guinea pig. It is interesting to note the inclusion of a guinea pig in the picture. In the 18th century, guinea pigs were considered exotic pets and symbols of wealth and status. We can see a contrast between the woman’s working class status, suggested by her clothing, and the guinea pig in her basket. De Sallieth's interest lies in the representation of the woman's everyday life. The drawing offers insight into the social and economic realities of the time. We see her material status represented through her clothing and through the depiction of the guinea pig that she has with her. Understanding the social and institutional context of the late 18th century allows us to grasp the cultural significance of this image. By consulting historical records, scholarly articles, and museum archives, we can uncover the ways in which artists like De Sallieth engaged with the social structures of their time, challenging or reinforcing prevailing norms through their artistic creations.