Twee friezen met putti en cherubijntjes c. 1617 - 1700

This detailed print, "Twee friezen met putti en cherubijntjes," featuring cherubs, dates back to 1617 and was crafted by an anonymous artist. This artwork is a product of the Dutch Golden Age, a period of economic prosperity and artistic flourishing in the Netherlands, but one which also relied on the exploitation of enslaved people in their colonies. The cherubic figures are depicted nude, a common representation in classical art that was revived during the Renaissance. Here, they serve as idealized, innocent figures, yet, the context of the time forces us to question these representations of purity. What does innocence mean within a society built on inequality? These images often mask the complex realities of gender, class, and power. This print invites us to reflect on the narratives we inherit and how these images shape our perceptions. Does it challenge or reinforce existing structures? How do we reconcile the beauty of the art with the uncomfortable truths of the past? Ultimately, this print serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of art, where beauty and darkness often coexist.