Engelse koopman en zijn vrouw 1641

Crispijn van de Passe the Younger created this engraving titled "English Merchant and His Wife" which now resides in the Rijksmuseum. The piece offers us a glimpse into the rigid gender roles and expectations that defined the lives of men and women in the 17th century. On the left, the English merchant is portrayed holding a hat, symbolizing his status and profession. His wife, on the right, is depicted with a wine glass and what appears to be a pipe. These items possibly hint at the indulgences and idleness associated with women of means during that time. The poems beneath each portrait reinforce stereotypes about marital roles, cautioning against infidelity and disobedience. Notice how the artist has rendered their clothing and accessories with careful detail, underscoring the importance of outward appearances and social standing. This engraving is not just a historical record. It's also a cultural artifact that provokes questions about the performance of gender, the constraints of marriage, and the complex dynamics between men and women in early modern Europe.