Twee wandelende paren 1821 - 1866

Dirk Jurriaan Sluyter made this print, "Two Walking Couples," at an unknown date using etching. It depicts two couples and a looming, gothic cityscape. Looking at this print, it seems like a relatively straightforward scene of middle-class life in the Netherlands, but the artist has deployed certain visual codes to imbue the image with deeper meaning. Consider the couples themselves: one young and full of romantic vigor, and another older and possibly more frail. Are they related? How might the artist be representing the generational transmission of social norms? The architecture, too, speaks to the social and economic structures of the time. The gothic style may symbolize a connection to the past. But, who is privileged enough to enjoy the beautiful architecture of the Netherlands? Sluyter's print invites us to reflect on the social conditions of his time. When interpreting art like this, historians might look at city plans from the time, as well as genealogical records of prominent families. With these resources, the meaning of the image comes into focus.