Jongen met vogelkooi 1625 - 1675

This print, "Jongen met vogelkooi," at the Rijksmuseum, presents a boy holding a birdcage, its creator lost to time. The work offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, reflecting the cultural values of the time. Consider the boy's social standing, evident in his clothing, juxtaposed with the act of holding a cage, a symbol of confinement. The Dutch text below the image reads: "My little birds are very flighty, that's why I have to lock you up. Because two inside are better than three times two outside." These words suggest a commentary on freedom versus security, echoing societal constraints and perhaps a subtle critique of power dynamics. What does it mean to confine something for its own good, or for the good of others? The image invites us to reflect on the complexities of control and care, prompting questions about who benefits from such arrangements and at what cost.