Boerenvechtpartij c. 1640 - 1680

Cornelis van Caukercken created this print, titled Boerenvechtpartij, sometime between 1625 and 1680. It depicts a chaotic brawl erupting among peasants in what appears to be a crowded, low-ceilinged room. The print offers a glimpse into the lives of the working class during this period, reflecting a society marked by stark class divisions and social unrest. The image may be interpreted as a commentary on the perceived crudeness or lack of civility attributed to the peasantry by the upper classes. Notice how the individuals are caught in a frenzy, their faces contorted in anger and their bodies engaged in violent struggle. The scene may evoke a sense of discomfort or unease. The print invites us to consider how the lower classes were portrayed and perceived in art and society. Caukercken's work, in its depiction of conflict and disorder, encourages reflection on social dynamics, class, and the human condition.