Blijdschap 1675 - 1737

This watercolor by Pieter van den Berge, titled "Blijdschap", presents a vibrant personification of joy. Notice the figure’s open stance, arms outstretched, and the buoyant gesture conveying uninhibited delight. This archetype of outstretched arms appears across time, symbolizing welcome, blessing, and revelation. Think of the ancient orant figures in early Christian art, their raised arms beseeching the divine. Consider also the ecstatic poses in Renaissance depictions of dance and celebration. Here, it speaks to a primal human longing for connection and unburdened expression. The figure seems to dance freely, embodying the spirit of mirth. But observe: the face, while smiling, carries a hint of something deeper—a subtle melancholy beneath the surface. Joy, like all strong emotions, exists in a spectrum. This piece is a reminder of the enduring power of images to convey complex emotional states, evolving, yet echoing through the corridors of time.