De wijn is een spotter 1723 - 1789

Jacob Hoolaart created this print, titled "De wijn is een spotter," during the 18th century. At first glance, the image presents us with a tableau of intoxication: a woman slumped in stupor, while a grinning figure hovers with a wine jug in hand. But consider the cultural context. Dutch society during Hoolaart's time was wrestling with complex attitudes towards alcohol, reflecting a tension between celebration and moral condemnation. The print invokes the biblical proverb, "Wine is a mocker," suggesting a cautionary tale. However, it's hard not to notice the gendered dimensions of this scene. The woman is the figure of shame, while the man seems to be the instigator. Is Hoolaart simply reflecting societal norms, or is there a subtle critique embedded within? The ambiguity invites us to reflect on the power dynamics present. What we are left with is a lingering question about complicity, vulnerability, and the stories we tell about who is to blame when the wine takes hold.