Everyone Was Speaking 1771

Sara Troost made this watercolor of an interior scene sometime in the 18th century. It's fascinating to consider the material culture represented here. From the chandelier to the globe, the bust atop the mantle to the garments worn by the figures, everything speaks to the Dutch Golden Age. This was a time of massive expansion in global trade, with goods like porcelain, spices, and textiles pouring into the Netherlands, making their way into scenes like this one. These objects would have required enormous inputs of labor, often violently extracted through colonial exploitation. They were indices of a globalizing world, and thus objects of intense fascination. It is no wonder that the men here are gathered around the globe, debating its secrets and opportunities. By turning to watercolor to depict this scene, Troost offers a delicate rendering of a world built on decidedly less delicate foundations.