Elk meent zijn uil een valk te zijn 1590 - 1594

Hendrick Goltzius created this engraving, “Elk meent zijn uil een valk te zijn,” or “Everyone thinks his owl is a falcon,” around 1594, and we can consider it a commentary on the social structures of the Dutch Golden Age. The image depicts a group of figures, one of whom proudly presents an owl, mistaking it for a more valuable falcon. In the 16th century, the Dutch Republic was experiencing a period of economic prosperity and social mobility, leading to a rise in materialism and social climbing. Goltzius uses visual codes to critique the folly of vanity and self-deception within that context. He points to the dangers of valuing appearances over substance, a theme common in Dutch moralistic art. Understanding the cultural context of the time helps us interpret Goltzius's work as a reflection on the social norms and values of the Dutch Golden Age. Resources such as period literature, social histories, and emblem books can provide further insights into the nuances of this artwork.