Cornelia en Gracchus binnenshuis 1573

Pieter Jalhea Furnius created this engraving, Cornelia and Gracchus Indoors, in the Netherlands, around 1578. It depicts a scene from Roman history, but it also reflects the values and concerns of the artist's own time. During the 16th century, the Dutch Republic was undergoing significant social and political changes, including a revolt against Spanish rule. In this context, the story of Cornelia, who chose to sacrifice her son for the good of Rome, resonated with the Dutch people's own struggle for independence. The print's visual codes, like the classical architecture and clothing, evoke the grandeur of ancient Rome, and the inclusion of everyday objects, such as the spinning wheel and the cradle, connects the story to the domestic sphere. By examining historical sources, such as Plutarch's "Lives," and contemporary accounts of Dutch society, we can better understand the complex interplay of classical ideals and contemporary concerns in Furnius's work.