Gezicht op Haarlem 1623 - 1632

This anonymous engraving, "Gezicht op Haarlem," presents a bird's-eye view of Haarlem in Holland. The print offers a glimpse into the social and cultural values of its time. The engraving depicts a woman, possibly a religious figure, carefully pouring oil into a lamp. The accompanying text, in Latin and German, speaks to the importance of moderation and balance. It suggests that while the lamp needs oil to burn, too much will extinguish it. This resonates with the period's emphasis on temperance, a virtue deeply intertwined with religious and social stability. We might also read the image as a comment on the roles of women, often associated with domesticity and moral guidance. The act of tending to the lamp becomes symbolic of a woman’s responsibility to maintain equilibrium within the household and, by extension, society. The artwork invites us to consider how gendered expectations were visually encoded and reinforced during this period, while reflecting the personal devotion expected of individuals.