Kinderen geven hun ouders een kus voor de nacht 1789

Barent de Bakker made this print, “Kinderen geven hun ouders een kus voor de nacht,” or “Children give their parents a goodnight kiss,” using etching. This intimate scene of domesticity offers us a window into the cultural values of the Dutch Republic. The print reflects an emphasis on family life and moral education, ideals that were becoming increasingly important to the rising middle class. Yet, such images also mask the social realities of the time, especially for women and children. The mother’s role here is confined to the domestic sphere, while the children are taught to respect patriarchal authority. In an era where women had limited legal rights and children often faced harsh labor conditions, this print idealizes a family structure that was not universally experienced. As we gaze at this scene, we might reflect on how representations of family life both shape and obscure the complexities of social relations.