Pastorale scene 1627 - 1678

Jan Thomas created this etching, 'Pastorale scene,' in the 17th century. Thomas, who navigated the artistic landscapes of both the Netherlands and Germany, presents us here with a complex interplay of power, gender, and vulnerability set within a romanticized natural backdrop. Notice the central figure, a woman being carried, seemingly against her will, by a man. The surrounding figures—some appearing to aid, others to merely observe—complicate the narrative. Is this a rescue, or an abduction? The inscription at the bottom in French cautions not to touch Philly's coast, suggesting a narrative of danger and violated boundaries. This artwork invites us to consider the era’s perspectives on women's bodies and autonomy. The pastoral setting, traditionally a space of innocence and freedom, is here disrupted by an unsettling drama, urging us to reflect on how idyllic settings can mask darker realities of gendered power dynamics. It's a scene that lingers, prompting questions about consent, protection, and the gaze.