Lacht, ô kindren! om de mode, die de zotheid bragt ter baan / Met een tuig zo zeer bespotlyk als 'er immer heeft bestaan [(...)] 1715 - 1813

This print, made by erven weduwe Cornelis Stichter, presents us with a scene filled with curious figures and objects, rendered in delicate lines and a muted palette. The composition invites us to consider the absurdities of fashion through its detailed depiction of people and their surroundings. The print’s structure hinges on a contrast between the detailed foreground and a more loosely sketched background. The foreground is populated with figures engaged in various activities related to fashion and social display. These figures are meticulously rendered, allowing for a semiotic interpretation of their roles and interactions. The background, with its suggestion of landscape and architecture, serves as a stage for the unfolding drama. The use of line is particularly striking. It defines shapes and textures, creating a sense of depth and volume. This technique allows for a critical commentary on the fleeting nature of trends and the social performances they inspire. The print invites us to question the values and categories that underpin social life, reminding us that art is always a site of ongoing interpretation.