Ontmoeting met de ouders 1740 - 1760

Jan Caspar Philips created this engraving, "Meeting the Parents," in the Netherlands sometime in the 18th century. It offers a fascinating window into the social expectations of the time. The scene depicts a formal meeting, likely concerning courtship or marriage, illuminated by candlelight and a roaring fireplace. The presence of the parents underscores the importance of familial approval in such matters. We can imagine the negotiations and social protocols that would have governed such an encounter in 18th century Dutch society. The Dutch Republic was a place where civic life revolved around its powerful merchant class and their relationship with their families. The print also speaks to the role of art in reinforcing or critiquing social norms. This image seems to validate social conventions. To fully understand the print's significance, one might consult period etiquette manuals, conduct genealogical research to understand who might have commissioned such a print, and also investigate the institutions of artistic production, such as the Guild of Saint Luke, of which Philips was a member. By exploring these social and institutional contexts, we can uncover the rich layers of meaning embedded within this seemingly simple image.