Ruïne met Roma 1659 - 1671

Frans Geffels created this etching, titled "Ruïne met Roma," sometime in the 17th century. The image captures a scene of Roma people amidst the ruins of what appears to be classical architecture. Geffels, a Flemish artist working in a period marked by significant social stratification and cultural biases, portrays the Roma within the familiar trope of marginality. The setting of ruins may symbolize not only physical decay but also the societal displacement experienced by the Roma, reflecting their exclusion from mainstream society. The intimate depiction of daily life, centered around cooking and community, contrasts sharply with the grandeur implied by the ruins, suggesting an alternative narrative of resilience and adaptation. This piece invites reflection on the historical treatment and representation of marginalized communities and encourages us to consider the complexities of identity, survival, and cultural expression.