Ragotin valt van de wagen 1705 - 1772

Gabriel Huquier created this print, "Ragotin valt van de wagen," sometime between 1695 and 1772, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Through the depicted accident, the artwork reveals elements of class and social dynamics during the period. The central figure, presumably Ragotin, is overturned from his wagon, suggesting a disruption of social order. This could be read as a commentary on the era's rigid social hierarchies. The scene invites a dialogue about status, control, and the precariousness of social positions. The muddy setting perhaps symbolizes the messy realities of social mobility and the potential for disgrace. The print serves as both a mirror reflecting societal norms and as a stage for a moment of unexpected chaos. It encourages us to reflect on the roles we play and the vulnerabilities we share.