The Council Chamber of the Burgomasters 1665

Pieter de Hooch painted *The Council Chamber of the Burgomasters* in the Dutch Republic, a time of great economic and social change. The painting offers a glimpse into the world of the Dutch elite, but also prompts us to think about the society that supported their privileged lifestyle. De Hooch situates us within the domestic sphere of the Dutch ruling class. The symmetry and perspective give a sense of order and control, reflecting the values of the merchant class. Yet, the painting also raises questions about who is included and excluded from this world of privilege. Where are the people who toiled to create this wealth? The absence of any reference to the colony’s enslaved people of color allows us to consider the painting as a document of power and a reflection on the construction of identity in the Dutch Golden Age. It reminds us to look beyond the surface and consider the complex social and political forces at play in the creation and reception of art.