Peinzende oude vrouw, met een boek op haar schoot 1790 - 1852

Pieter Christoffel Wonder created this image of an old woman with chalk. During Wonder’s time, the 18th and 19th centuries, women were often portrayed through an idealized lens, emphasizing youth and beauty. However, this image departs from that tradition, presenting old age and a woman absorbed in thought. The woman's engagement with a book challenges stereotypes about women's intellectual capabilities during this period. It suggests a narrative where women possess wisdom and insight. Look at the way she holds the book and her glasses, she is in a deep moment of contemplation. The softness of the chalk softens the lines of her face, adding to a sense of quiet reflection. Wonder's image invites us to consider the value of age and experience, and to recognize women's contributions beyond conventional expectations. The portrait captures a moment of introspection, it encourages us to reflect on our perceptions of aging and the voices that history often overlooks.