Man vertrekt van huis 1683 - 1733

Bernard Picart created this etching called ‘Man vertrekt van huis’, or ‘Man leaving home’ in the early 18th century. During this period in Europe, the Enlightenment was challenging traditional social structures. The print captures a deeply gendered moment. A man, ready to depart, is confronted by a group of women. One kneels before him, imploring him to stay. The others appear in distress. What narratives of duty, love, and freedom are at play here? The man seems resolute, turning away from the emotional pleas. Is he driven by ambition, necessity, or perhaps a desire for personal liberation, something more often granted to men? This image invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between individual desires, societal expectations, and the emotional bonds that tie us to one another. How do we balance personal freedom with our responsibilities to loved ones?