Gezicht op de Vleeshal te Haarlem 1688 - 1689

This is Romeyn de Hooghe's engraving of the Vleeshal, or meat market, in Haarlem, made sometime between 1645 and 1708. De Hooghe was a Dutch artist known for his detailed and often allegorical prints, which captured the social and political climate of the Dutch Golden Age. In this image, the Vleeshal dominates the scene, a grand structure that embodies the economic prosperity of the time. Look at the figures populating the square. Notice the clear distinctions in attire and activity, reflecting the rigid social hierarchy of 17th-century Dutch society. Gender roles are also evident, with women engaged in shopping and men in commerce. De Hooghe doesn't shy away from depicting the realities of the market; there are visible animal carcasses. These details offer insight into the complex relationship between humans and animals. The print invites us to consider the layers of Dutch society. It's a snapshot of a world where commerce, class, and daily life intersect.