The Young Innkeeper c. 1650

Cornelis Bega created this etching, The Young Innkeeper, in the middle of the 17th century. The print invites us into the lively, yet morally ambiguous world of a Dutch tavern, a space where social classes met, and gender roles were often challenged. We see a young woman, presumably the innkeeper, caught in an embrace with an older man. This interaction, set against the backdrop of another man counting coins, hints at the economic and sexual exchanges that characterized such establishments. The woman's expression, though, seems to convey a sense of resignation or discomfort, offering a glimpse into the complex power dynamics at play. Bega, like many of his contemporaries, was interested in depicting everyday life, yet he often infused his scenes with a critical eye. The viewer is left to consider the ethical implications of this social environment, inviting reflection on themes of youth, exploitation, and the negotiation of identity within the confines of 17th-century Dutch society.