De stiefmoer 1760 - 1780

"De stiefmoer" is an etching by Dutch artist Jacob Houbraken, dating back to 1760-1780. Houbraken, a prolific engraver, captures a scene of a family gathering at a table, possibly a meal, with a stepmother interacting with her stepchildren. The etching, housed at the Rijksmuseum, showcases the artist's meticulous detail and skillful use of light and shadow, characteristic of the Rococo period. The composition, with its focus on the central figures, draws the viewer into the scene, while the rich, decorative elements hint at the wealth of the family.