Dansend stel, de vingers met elkaar vervlochten c. 1537 - 1555

Cornelis Bos created this engraving, Dansend stel, de vingers met elkaar vervlochten, at an unknown date. This image of a dancing couple with fingers entwined offers a glimpse into the social dynamics of 16th-century Northern Europe. Made in the Netherlands, the print reflects the era's evolving social codes around courtship and public displays of affection. The couple's attire and the landscape setting provide clues about their social standing and the cultural values of the time. The male figure’s sword can be seen as evidence of status. Bos, as a printmaker, played a role in disseminating such images to a broader public. The availability of such images contributed to the circulation and negotiation of social norms. To fully understand this work, one can consult historical archives, costume studies, and social histories of the period. This engraving serves as a reminder that art is deeply embedded in its cultural and institutional context.