Haat 1675 - 1737

Pieter van den Berge made this watercolor drawing called ‘Haat’ somewhere around the early 18th century in the Netherlands. It depicts a woman in classical garb, perhaps representing the embodiment of hatred itself. The Dutch Republic in Van den Berge's time was a society undergoing significant social and political shifts. The Golden Age had brought unprecedented wealth but also stark class divisions. The rise of Enlightenment ideals began to challenge traditional beliefs and hierarchies. The visual codes here - her clothing, the loose sketch quality - place her within the tradition of classical allegory, but also hint at the emerging artistic trends. The figure of 'Haat', or Hatred, invites us to consider the role of art in portraying complex emotions. Was this meant as a moral lesson, a political statement, or something else entirely? Historical research into the artist's life, the cultural context of the time, and the symbolic language used in Dutch art can provide clues. Only through this kind of investigation can we truly appreciate the meaning and significance of this work.