Kleden van de naakten 1625 - 1629

This print, "Kleden van de naakten" or "Clothing the Naked," was made by David Custos, though the exact date remains unknown. The image tackles the social welfare imperative, "clothing the naked," set against a palatial background. It invites us to consider the place of charity within systems of power. This print was likely made in the Netherlands, a place that has historically wrestled with questions of religious duty, economic disparity, and civic responsibility. Note the way Custos positions the act of clothing within an architectural setting. Are these charitable acts genuinely compassionate, or do they instead reinforce social hierarchies, with those in power dispensing aid from on high? As art historians, we might look to period writings on social welfare, religious sermons, or even architectural plans to understand the role of institutions in shaping social action. Approaching art through social history allows us to see how images don’t just reflect their times but actively participate in shaping social discourse.