Hopman Ulrich of de bedrogen gierigheid: de omkoping 1760 - 1780

This engraving, "Hopman Ulrich of de bedrogen gierigheid: de omkoping," was created by Jacob Houbraken, an artist who lived through the Dutch Golden Age and into the burgeoning Enlightenment. Houbraken depicts a scene of bribery, a transaction steeped in power dynamics, and social commentary. The print captures a pivotal moment of exchange, rife with underlying tensions, and moral questions which reflects the societal norms and the political climate of 18th century Netherlands. The roles played by gender, where a woman holding a candle acts almost as a witness, and class distinctions, with the hopman's richly decorated attire, all speak to the complexities of status and influence during this era. While Houbraken's engraving appears to offer a window into a specific moment of corruption, it invites us to reflect on the more perennial themes of power, morality, and human behavior. It is a mirror reflecting our own society's struggles with issues of justice and equity.