Zomerhuis van Cunibert van Wenzelsberg 1664

Jan van Ossenbeeck created this print, "Zomerhuis van Cunibert van Wenzelsberg," using etching, a process that was still somewhat new to the Dutch Republic in the mid-17th century. It reflects the cultural values and hierarchies of the time. In this scene, we see a stately summer home, and in the foreground, laborers appear to be harvesting ice. This intimate view into the lives of both the wealthy and working classes invites us to consider social stratification and the economic dependencies of 17th century Dutch society. The text held aloft by birds at the upper right corner, seems to give an account of the beautiful location, yet this luxury depended on the work of others. The laborers are integral to the scene, yet rendered as faceless and voiceless. The image serves as a reminder of how art can both reflect and shape societal values, revealing complex dynamics of power, wealth, and labor, all interwoven with personal experience.