Illuminatie van het huis van H. van Oort te Rotterdam, 1788 1788 - 1790

Johan van der Spruyt created this etching in 1788, depicting the illuminated house of H. van Oort in Rotterdam. This celebratory image provides a glimpse into the cultural values of the Dutch Republic during a period marked by both economic prosperity and growing social inequalities. The elaborate ornamentation speaks volumes about the homeowner’s wealth and status, yet it also raises questions about the representation of power and privilege. Consider the figures adorning the structure. What narratives do they convey, and whose stories are being told? The display of opulence can be seen as a visual assertion of dominance, a way of reinforcing existing hierarchies in a society where class distinctions were becoming more pronounced. As you contemplate this illuminated house, reflect on the complex interplay between personal expression, social status, and the broader currents of history. What emotions does it evoke in you?