Vrouwen begeleiden beschonken mannen c. 1630

Bartholomeus van Lochom created this piece, titled "Women Assisting Drunken Men," using engraving techniques. Lochom was working during the Dutch Golden Age, a time of immense cultural and economic flourishing, but also stark social stratification. In this small print, we see two women guiding visibly inebriated men. This image offers us insight into the social dynamics of the 17th century, particularly regarding gender roles and the public perception of drunkenness. While men were often given a certain latitude for public intoxication, women were expected to maintain sobriety and decorum. The print's emotional resonance lies in its candid portrayal of vulnerability and care. Are the women acting out of compassion, duty, or perhaps a mix of both? It invites us to reflect on the expectations and realities faced by women in a patriarchal society and to question the narratives we construct around public behavior and private responsibility.