Staand meisje met hoed, kijkend in een boek 1871 - 1906

Pieter de Josselin de Jong created this pencil drawing of a standing girl with a hat looking into a book, though the date of the artwork is unknown. What does it mean to picture a young woman engaged in reading at this time in the Netherlands? The late 19th century saw debates about female education, and the role of women in society. Public education was expanding, but access and curriculum differed by gender and social class. Consider the symbolic implications of depicting a woman with a book. Is it an endorsement of female intellectualism, or simply a sentimental image of youthful innocence? Historical sources such as school records, social surveys, and feminist publications can give a more nuanced insight into the lived experiences and cultural expectations of women at the time. In this way, we can better understand how art participates in and reflects on broader social changes.