Dokter bespiedt met een spiegel het achterwerk van een vrouw 1644 - 1652

Wenceslaus Hollar created this print, "Dokter bespiedt met een spiegel het achterwerk van een vrouw," sometime in the 17th century. It reflects the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with satire and social commentary. This piece encapsulates complex themes related to gender, sexuality, and power dynamics. It's hard to ignore the way it turns the female body into an object of scrutiny, dissected by the male gaze. This wasn't just about individual desires; it reflected broader societal norms where women's bodies were often public property. The presence of cupid suggests ideas of lust and desire, yet there's also a tension between the pleasurable and the grotesque, as the translated text seems to suggest. Ultimately, Hollar's print prompts us to reflect on the historical objectification of women and the cultural values that enable such representations. It's a stark reminder of the ongoing need to challenge and transform these ingrained power structures.