The Refused Caress 

Cornelis Bega created the etching, The Refused Caress, in the Netherlands during the mid-17th century. Here, Bega presents a scene of everyday life, but one charged with social tension. We see a woman rebuffing the advances of a man, a narrative common in genre scenes of the period. Consider the social context: the Dutch Republic, though prosperous, was grappling with issues of class and morality. Genre paintings became a way to both reflect and comment on these societal norms. Bega’s choice to depict this interaction raises questions about power dynamics and gender roles. Is it a cautionary tale, or a commentary on the complexities of human relationships? To understand Bega’s work fully, we might turn to period literature, social histories, and even legal documents. These resources offer insights into the lived experiences of ordinary people, and shed light on the artist's aims. Ultimately, the interpretation of this artwork hinges on its relationship to the society that produced it.