Ruiter 1609 - 1642

Pieter van Laer created this etching called "Ruiter," or "Horseman" in English, some time during his career in the first half of the 17th century. Van Laer was a Dutch Golden Age painter and printmaker, known for his genre scenes of everyday life, particularly those featuring peasants and animals. This image of a horseman embodies a certain level of social identity and status of the time. The rider is holding what appears to be a pistol, which suggests authority and perhaps a readiness to defend his position. The image speaks to the narratives of power and freedom that were so central to the Dutch identity during this period. It offers a glimpse into the world of the 17th century, where the display of authority and the reality of daily life were closely intertwined.