Vrouwelijke pelgrim ligt in schoot van een mannelijke pelgrim 1721 - 1756

This anonymous line engraving presents a vision of idealized pastoral life. It depicts a female pilgrim resting in the lap of a male figure. During this era, images of pilgrims were often imbued with notions of romanticism and escapism, reflecting a longing for simpler times amidst rapid social and economic changes. Set within an elaborate, fantastical frame, it suggests a world of leisure and fantasy, far removed from the realities of everyday life for most people. We might consider how gender roles are depicted, with the woman in a passive, reclining position, dependent on the male figure for support, which reflects the social expectations of women during that time. The artist uses the imagery of pilgrimage to explore themes of love and devotion, while simultaneously reinforcing conventional gender norms. This image invites us to consider the ways in which art both reflects and shapes our understanding of societal roles and relationships.