Gouden eeuw van Saturnus 1685 - 1732

Philip van Gunst created this print, "Gouden eeuw van Saturnus," using etching and engraving techniques, and it now resides in the Rijksmuseum collection. This image presents an idyllic vision of the Golden Age, a classical myth of a time when Saturn ruled and humanity lived in peace and abundance. It’s a period of innocence, free from labor, laws, and the social hierarchies of the 17th century, when the work was made. Consider the politics of imagery here: this idealized past serves as a subtle critique of the present. The imagery is carefully constructed, drawing from classical literature and art. The lush landscape, the relaxed figures, and the absence of any sign of toil, these elements are all visual cues that evoke a sense of paradise. To understand this work better, we could research contemporary texts on political theory and social critique, as well as examining the patronage networks that supported artists like Van Gunst.