Dans van putti met de roof van Proserpina 1716 - 1761

Pieter Tanjé made this print, "Dance of Putti with the Rape of Proserpina," sometime in the 18th century. Here, Tanjé presents a scene that blends classical mythology with the playful innocence of childhood. The putti, or cherubic figures, dance around a fountain, while in the background, we see the abduction of Proserpina. This juxtaposition creates an interesting tension between innocence and violence, play and drama. Prints like this were popular in the Dutch Republic, often adorning the homes of the burgeoning middle class. They reflect a society that was increasingly interested in classical themes, but also valued domesticity and childhood. The Rijksmuseum, where this print is housed, plays a vital role in preserving and interpreting these cultural artifacts. To truly understand this print, we might delve into emblem books and other visual sources that would have been circulating at the time. Only then can we can fully appreciate its place in the visual culture of the 18th century.