Groep Roma 1825 - 1882

Jacobus Ludovicus Cornet made this etching, titled ‘Groep Roma,’ in the Netherlands sometime in the 19th century. The image captures a group of Roma people gathered together, evoking themes of marginalization and cultural identity. Cornet’s choice to depict the Roma invites us to consider the prevailing social attitudes toward minority groups in 19th-century Netherlands. The composition directs our attention to their communal existence and the possible hardships they faced. Visual codes such as clothing, posture, and setting contribute to the narrative, prompting reflection on social class, ethnicity, and cultural integration. Historical records, including census data, newspaper articles, and government documents, can provide additional insight into the ways the Roma were perceived and treated during this period. By engaging with such resources, we can deepen our understanding of the complex social dynamics that shaped Cornet’s artistic vision. Art, after all, exists in constant conversation with its social and institutional context.