Woman and Child on Donkey, Man, Dogs, Horses n.d.

Nicolaes Berchem created this drawing, “Woman and Child on Donkey, Man, Dogs, Horses,” sometime in the 17th century using pen and brown ink with gray wash on cream laid paper. Berchem lived during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by the rise of the Dutch Republic and its global trade networks. In this work, a woman and child ride a donkey led by a man, surrounded by animals. This intimate scene may seem like a simple pastoral image, but it speaks to the period's complex social structures and gender roles. During this time, women's identities were often closely tied to their roles as mothers and caregivers, while men were positioned as protectors and providers. Berchem's skillful use of light and shadow renders an idealized, and perhaps sentimental, image of rural life. The drawing provides a glimpse into the values and beliefs of 17th-century Dutch society, while also inviting us to reflect on our contemporary ideas about family, labor, and belonging.