Voornen op een rivieroever 1664

Albert Flamen created this etching, “Voornen op een rivieroever” – “Common Roach on a Riverbank” – in the 17th century, a period when the Dutch Republic was a major economic power. Flamen specialized in detailed landscapes and animal studies which reflected the Dutch interest in the natural world. This image of dead fish on a riverbank is both a still life and a commentary on commerce and sustenance. The roach, a common freshwater fish, suggests a local, accessible food source, aligning with the Dutch emphasis on practicality and self-reliance. It resonates with the cultural values of a society that prized hard work and resourcefulness. Interestingly, the focus on such ordinary subjects also democratized art, shifting away from traditional aristocratic themes. Flamen’s choice to depict these fish can be viewed through a feminist lens, challenging the hierarchy of subject matter in art history. By immortalizing these modest creatures, Flamen elevated the everyday, mirroring a society that valued the contributions of all its members, regardless of social standing. This image invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature.