Hoek van plafond met Apollo in zijn zonnewagen 1664 - 1730

Jan Hoogsaat created this red chalk drawing, "Hoek van plafond met Apollo in zijn zonnewagen", during the Dutch Golden Age, a time of great economic and cultural prosperity for the Netherlands. This drawing reflects the period's fascination with classical mythology, showcasing Apollo, the god of light and sun, in his chariot. But it's important to remember that while the Golden Age was a period of growth, it was also a time of strict social hierarchy, and the rise of the Dutch Slave Trade. Hoogsaat, as a privileged artist, would have been supported by the society and financial system, which was made possible by exploiting other cultures. The grandeur and idealization of figures like Apollo can be viewed as a reflection of the values of the dominant culture. The drawing allows us to consider the complexities of identity, power, and representation during this transformative period.