Zo ziet men groote lieden ryden, / In koetsen, op 't gebrek te myden [(...)] 1715 - 1813

This print, made by erven weduwe Cornelis Stichter, presents two contrasting modes of transport: a luxurious carriage and a simple wagon. The carriage, drawn by two horses and occupied by presumably wealthy individuals, symbolizes status and comfort. In contrast, the wagon, pulled by a single horse and filled with common folk, represents a more modest existence. Consider the recurring motif of transportation throughout art history – from Roman chariots to Renaissance processional scenes. These depictions often serve as emblems of power, triumph, or social hierarchy. In this print, the artist uses the visual contrast between the two carriages to comment on social disparities. The act of riding itself, regardless of the vehicle, can be interpreted through a psychoanalytic lens as an expression of control, ambition, or even a subconscious desire for upward mobility. The driver, brandishing his whip, embodies this assertion of dominance. These symbols resonate across cultures and epochs, revealing our collective fascination with status.