Schilderij Het kantoor van de advocaat door Pieter de Bloot 1915

Dora de Gijselaar made this photograph of Pieter de Bloot's painting, "The Lawyer's Office". It offers us a glimpse into the social dynamics of 17th-century legal practices. De Bloot lived during a time of significant social stratification, where access to justice was often determined by one's class and social standing. The scene depicts a bustling office filled with people from varied social strata. Lawyers consult with their clients, conducting business amidst a crowd that includes men, women, and children, reflecting the intersectional nature of legal issues. De Bloot doesn't shy away from showing us the hierarchies inherent in the legal system. The painting is full of emotion, as people are negotiating the complex relationship between law, power, and individual agency. Gijselaar's image captures the theatricality of law and the emotional vulnerability of those seeking justice. By focusing on a scene of everyday life, this work invites viewers to consider the enduring impact of law on our lives, where the personal and the political intersect.