Ruiter in kuras te paard, half van achteren 1620 - 1660

Jan Martszen de Jonge created this drawing of a 'Rider in cuirass on horseback, half from behind' with pen in brown and gray ink, and brush in gray ink. Created during the Dutch Golden Age, the artwork presents a lens through which we can examine the era's emphasis on military power and social hierarchy. During this time, the Netherlands was a major maritime power, engaged in various conflicts to protect its trade routes and colonial interests. The image is a representation of power, both of the rider and the horse. But how do these displays of authority intersect with the lived experiences of ordinary people? The Dutch Golden Age was also marked by significant social inequality, with wealth and power concentrated in the hands of a few. While the rider is depicted in a position of strength, it's important to consider the experiences of those who were excluded from such displays of privilege and dominance.