Betje Wollf and Aagje Deken.

Two female liberal thinkers in Holland in 18th C. will be highlighted with shared exhibitions in museums in Purmerend and The Beemster in the second half of 2026.
More details later.

Betje Wolff-Bekker (24 July 1738 – 5 November 1804) was a Dutch novelist who, with "Aagje Deken, wrote several popular epistolary novels such as Sara Burgerhart (1782) and Willem Levend (1784).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betje_Wolff

#museum #purmer #beemster #History #Female #betjewolff

Brekend nieuws !
Sterke vrouwen in de Nederlandse geschiedenis.

Meeste details ontbreken nog. Maar in Purmerend en Midden Beemster zal in het najaar aandacht gegeven worden aan Betje Wolff en Aagje Deken.

" Betje Bekker werd geboren in een gegoede calvinistische familie. Ze had een onstuimig karakter en vrijzinnige ideeën. Haar moeder had ze al jong verloren en haar vader was haar opvoeder " .
https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Betje_Wolff

#vrouwen #geschiedenis #museum #purmer #beemster #BetjeWolff

Net voor een enorme regenbui deze Open Monumentendag naar de kleine (verborgen) begraafplaats Ter Navolging op Scheveningen.

Ik wist helemaal niet van het bestaan af dus dat was al een goeie reden om deze begraafplaats te bezoeken, maar deze plek is bijzonder omdat het de laatste rustplaats is van Aagje Deken en Betje Wolff.

#AagjeDeken #BetjeWolff #TerNavolging #OpenMonumentendag2025

How have women impacted on Dutch history, and to what extent is their legacy visible in the Rijksmuseum collection? These are the overarching questions explored by the research programme and related activities of the Women of the Rijksmuseum working group. This project started in 2021 and will run until 2026.

Rijksmuseum

Aagje Deken and Betje Wolff were two Dutch writers and poets who lived during the 18th century. They are best known for their collaboration on the epistolary novel called “Sara Burgerhart,” which was published in 1782. Aagje Deken was born in 1741 and Betje Wolff was born in 1738.

Aagje Deken and Betje Wolff’s work was groundbreaking for its time, as it introduced realistic characters and social commentary. Their novel “Sara Burgerhart” focuses on the experiences of a young woman in Dutch society and explores themes such as love, marriage, and societal expectations.

Deken and Wolff’s writing was considered controversial due to its criticism of traditional gender roles and societal norms. They played a significant role in the development of Dutch literature and are recognized as important figures in the Enlightenment movement. Their works continue to be studied and appreciated for their literary value and contribution to Dutch cultural history.

Aagje Deken’s life was marked by various experiences and achievements. After the death of her parents in 1745, she resided in the “Oranje Appel” orphanage in Amsterdam until 1767. Upon leaving the orphanage, she worked in different households and eventually ventured into business, specializing in coffee and tea. In 1769, she joined the Baptist community in Amsterdam, embracing a religious path.

At the age of 29, Deken became a nurse for Mrs. Maria Bosch, and they developed a close relationship. However, Bosch passed away in 1773. In 1775, Deken published a collection of poems titled “Stichtelijke gedichten,” which she had written in collaboration with Maria Bosch.

The pivotal moment in Deken’s life came about in 1776 when she initiated a correspondence with Betje Wolff. At that time, Wolff had already established herself as an accomplished writer. They met in person for the first time in October of that year. Following the death of Wolff’s husband, the two women began living together as companions. In September 1777, they published their first joint work titled “Brieven” (“Letters”). Their collaboration continued to flourish, and in 1781, they gained widespread acclaim with the publication of their highly successful novel “Sara Burgerhart.”

Aagje Deken’s contribution to the plot of “Sara Burgerhart” was drawing from her own experiences as a girl who grew up in an orphanage and worked in domestic service. These experiences influenced the portrayal of the protagonist, Sara, and added depth and authenticity to the novel.

Through Sara’s character, Deken sheds light on the challenges and realities faced by young women in Dutch society during that time. The novel explores themes such as social class, love, marriage, and the expectations placed upon women. The portrayal of Sara’s journey reflects Deken’s understanding of the complexities of social dynamics and the impact they have on personal growth and choices.

By incorporating her own background into the plot, Aagje Deken contributed to the authenticity and realism of “Sara Burgerhart,” making it a significant work in Dutch literature that continues to be studied and appreciated for its insightful portrayal of women’s lives.

The Artist – David Wolff

David Wolff, a prominent glass engraver (not related to Betje Wolff) in the 18th century Netherlands, played a significant role in elevating the technique of diamond-point engraving. He specialized in creating exquisite portraits on glasses, showcasing his mastery in this art form.

Wolff’s innovative approach involved utilizing the stippling engraving technique, which involved tapping the diamond point into the glass to create minute dots. This method differed from the traditional scratching technique used in conventional diamond engraving, where images and letters are cut into the glass. The stippling technique resulted in a pointillistic effect, with varying densities of dots creating a nuanced representation of light and shadow.

By employing this meticulous technique, Wolff achieved striking renditions of portraits on glasses. The intricate placement of dots allowed for the precise rendering of details, capturing the likeness and character of the subjects. His innovative use of stippling engraving brought about a unique visual quality, showcasing a sophisticated play of light and shadow in his glass engravings.

https://chasingart.com/2024/01/05/women-of-the-rijksmuseum-aagje-deken-betje-wolff/

#FridayPainting #AagjeDeken #BetjeWolff #DavidWolff #Engraving #Rijksmuseum