Dimensions: height 140 mm, width 190 mm
Copyright: Rijks Museum: Open Domain
This is a print made in the Netherlands in the 17th century by Crispijn van de Passe II. It combines text and image to explore social themes. The print presents a series of verses, each associated with a different female character: a starcher, a chambermaid, and a washerwoman. The verses offer glimpses into the lives and perspectives of these women, hinting at their daily routines, social interactions, and personal desires. These characters represent different strata of society, reflecting the social hierarchy and the roles available to women in 17th-century Dutch society. This work reflects the growing interest in social realism during this period. Artists and writers began to depict everyday life, challenging traditional artistic norms and offering a more democratic view of society. By focusing on the lives of ordinary women, the print invites viewers to consider their place in the social order and to question the institutions that shaped their lives. To understand this print better, we might consult archives, personal letters, and other documents that shed light on the lives of women in the 17th century.
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