Slapende man omringd door figuren 1702 - 1767

This etching, "Slapende man omringd door figuren" was created by Jacob Folkema, an artist working in the Netherlands in the 18th century. During this time, the Dutch Republic was a major center for trade and cultural exchange, yet it was also a society marked by stark class divisions. In this intriguing scene, we see a man asleep, surrounded by a cast of characters from different walks of life. The composition raises questions about the dynamics of power and influence. A woman in regal attire seems to be prodding the sleeping man with a stick, while other figures look on with curiosity and amusement. Is this a commentary on the nature of sleep itself, perhaps symbolizing vulnerability or a temporary escape from societal constraints? Or could it be a broader reflection on the social hierarchies of the time, where some individuals are seen as disposable or easily manipulated? Perhaps Folkema is suggesting the precariousness of social status, where fortunes can change in an instant, leaving one exposed and vulnerable.