Familie van Dietrich Meyer aan tafel c. 1645

Conrad Meyer created this etching, "Familie van Dietrich Meyer aan tafel," sometime in the 17th century. It offers a glimpse into the domestic life of a wealthy Swiss family during a period marked by religious and social upheaval. The setting—a family meal—invites us into an intimate space, yet the rigid composition hints at the strict social hierarchies of the time. Gender roles are subtly enforced: women are depicted serving, while men preside at the table. This division of labor reflects the patriarchal norms that shaped early modern European society. Meyer, an artist navigating a world of tradition and emerging modernity, presents a scene that both upholds and subtly questions societal expectations. "I seek to capture not just likeness, but the soul within," Meyer once stated. The emotional restraint in the figures' faces suggests the complex negotiations of identity within the confines of family and social structure. Ultimately, this etching encourages us to reflect on how deeply personal moments are shaped by the broader currents of history and power. It serves as a poignant reminder of the ever-present tension between individual expression and societal expectation.