Illustratie voor de Decamerone van Boccaccio 1697

This is an illustration for Boccaccio’s Decameron, created by Romeyn de Hooghe, a Dutch artist active during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. De Hooghe lived through a time of significant political and social change in the Netherlands, including the Dutch Golden Age and the rise of mercantile capitalism. The illustration reflects the themes of love, fortune, and human nature that are central to the Decameron. Look closely, and you’ll notice the dynamic interplay between the figures; their gestures and expressions convey a sense of drama and emotion, characteristic of the Baroque period. However, this drama can also be viewed through a contemporary lens, specifically considering the way that gender and class are portrayed. Illustrations like these served not only to visualize the stories within the Decameron, but also to reinforce societal norms and expectations. It invites us to reflect on the narratives we consume and the values they perpetuate.