Maaltijd in een schuur 1723 - 1789

Jacob Hoolaart created this print, "Meal in a Barn," sometime in the 18th century. In this dimly lit scene, we see a family gathered for a humble meal. During the 1700s, the Dutch Republic was experiencing a period of economic decline, and there was a growing gap between the rich and the poor. Hoolaart captures the lives of ordinary people, drawing attention to their daily struggles. The setting, a simple barn, emphasizes the family's humble status, while the figures are rendered with a sense of dignity. We see a woman seated on a barrel, perhaps the matriarch, with children nearby. The consumption of food becomes a social commentary, reflecting on themes of survival, community, and the disparities in wealth and resources. Hoolaart invites us to contemplate the values and social structures of his time, prompting reflection on the universal human need for sustenance and belonging.