Vierde slede 1776

Abraham Delfos created this watercolor called 'Vierde slede' sometime between 1731 and 1820. This work offers us a glimpse into the spectacles of 18th-century Dutch society. It depicts an elaborate procession, complete with horses, riders, and a lavishly decorated sleigh. Think about the layers of social hierarchy that are on display here. The finery of the clothing, the ornamentation of the horses, and the very act of parading through the town, all speak to the power and privilege of the elite. What kind of message do you think this image conveyed to those who were excluded from such displays of wealth? It invites us to reflect on the relationships between visibility, representation, and social identity. While it captures a moment of pageantry, it also subtly reinforces the existing power structures of the time.