Kussend paar 1768 - 1796

Pieter de Mare created this drawing, titled *Kussend paar*, in the late 18th century. It shows a kissing couple, rendered with a light, sketch-like quality. This image offers a glimpse into the representation of intimacy and social life in the Netherlands during that time. Consider the cultural context: the Dutch Republic was a society marked by a strong merchant class and Calvinist values. How did these shape the public display of affection? Are there specific class connotations in their clothing? The Rijksmuseum, where this drawing is housed, has its own history, too. It evolved from the National Art Gallery, established during the Batavian Republic, reflecting the changing political landscape and the role of art in national identity. Historical documents, such as etiquette manuals and social commentaries, could reveal more about the norms and expectations surrounding courtship and marriage during this period. By delving into these resources, we can better understand the social scripts that governed people's behavior and the subtle ways in which artists like de Mare may have reinforced or challenged those conventions.