Familie met twee kinderen 1648 - 1665

Albert Flamen created this etching of a family scene sometime in the 17th century. The print, with its accompanying verse in French, offers a glimpse into the values and social expectations of the time. Made in the Netherlands, this artwork reflects the cultural emphasis on domesticity and the roles within a family unit. The woman spinning and the father holding a hat, overseeing the scene, suggest the importance of industry and family leadership. The presence of children reinforces the notion of familial continuity. The verses below the picture are praising the woman who stays awake, spins and redeems the time. Prints like these would have circulated among the middle class, reinforcing specific gender roles and familial structures. To gain a deeper understanding, we can examine domestic manuals, religious texts, and other visual materials from this period that shed light on the social norms of the time. By exploring the image's context, we can see how art both reflected and shaped the society in which it was created.