Het Gezicht 1670 - 1713

Pieter Schenk created this artwork, "Het Gezicht," with etching and engraving techniques. Schenk was active in a period marked by significant shifts in trade and cultural exchange. This print encapsulates the intersections of commerce and human interaction. In the 17th century, the Dutch Republic was a global hub, and prints like these played a role in representing society. We see a group gathered around a spectacle seller, a scene that reflects an emerging culture of consumption and visual engagement. The faces, etched with care, invite us to consider the personal stories within this commercial transaction. Schenk’s choice to depict such a scene invites us to think about identity, and how class and commerce influence human experiences. It serves as a poignant reminder of how we, as viewers, are implicated in the act of seeing and being seen.