Gepersonifieerde Dankbaarheid 1710s

Arnold Houbraken created this print, titled "Gepersonifieerde Dankbaarheid" – Personified Gratitude – sometime between 1660 and 1719. In it, Houbraken visualizes an allegorical figure of gratitude, a common practice in the Dutch Golden Age. At first glance, she appears as a classical, draped figure, but a closer look reveals a more complex story. She stands next to a pedestal inscribed with "Dankbaarheid," her gaze lowered towards a cornucopia overflowing with coins and produce. Her posture and expression evoke humility and introspection. She is both the giver and receiver of thanks. The turkey by her side, a fowl native to the Americas, subtly acknowledges global trade networks and colonial exploits. The people in the background suggest both earthly suffering, and heavenly salvation, framing gratitude as a response to both good fortune, and the potential for redemption. The artist asks us to reflect on the multifaceted nature of gratitude. How might our understanding of gratitude shift when viewed through the lenses of colonialism, class, and faith? This piece suggests that gratitude isn't a simple emotion, but a complex negotiation of power, privilege, and belief.