Gouden eeuw 1573

Philips Galle made this engraving, *Gouden eeuw*, in the late 16th century. It depicts the Golden Age, a mythic time of peace and plenty, a classical trope that was often evoked amidst the turmoil of the artist’s era. Look closely and you'll see an idealized vision of humanity living in harmony with nature. Men and women are nude, carefree, and unburdened by labor. This is a world before social hierarchies, before private property, and before the fall from grace, where innocence and abundance prevail. The image presents a powerful statement on the potential for human happiness when freed from the constraints of societal corruption. But Galle made this print during a time of religious conflict, economic upheaval, and colonial expansion. The Golden Age theme offers a stark contrast to the realities of 16th-century Europe, marked as it was by violence, inequality, and exploitation. It invites us to reflect on the tensions between utopia and reality, and it encourages us to critique the social structures that perpetuate injustice.