Afscheid van het ouderlijk huis 1798

"Afscheid van het ouderlijk huis" (Farewell from the parental home), created by Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki in 1798, is a poignant depiction of a young man bidding farewell to his family as he embarks on a new chapter in life. This etching, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, captures the emotional weight of such a significant moment, with the young man embracing his father and mother, while a younger sibling watches on with a mix of curiosity and sadness. The detailed engraving and intimate composition evoke a sense of realism and familiarity, making this a relatable scene for any viewer who has experienced the bittersweet emotions of leaving home.