Geluk van het huiselijke leven 1773

Daniel Chodowiecki created this etching titled 'Geluk van het huiselijke leven', or 'The happiness of domestic life', sometime in the late 18th century. It depicts a scene of familial care, with an elderly man being attended to by his family members. Made in the Dutch Republic, this image reflects the cultural values of the time, when the Dutch bourgeoisie idealized domesticity and family as the cornerstone of society. The scene includes several generations, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds. The dog lying in the foreground is symbolic of loyalty and faithfulness. Chodowiecki's work, like much art of this era, provides insights into the social structures and moral values that shaped daily life. By studying such images alongside period documents, letters, and social histories, we can reconstruct the beliefs and aspirations of the people who lived during this transformative period. The meaning of art becomes richer when viewed within its specific social and institutional context.