Vijf personen zittend rond een tafel op een terras 1613 - 1680

This etching entitled 'Five People Sitting Around a Table on a Terrace' was created by an anonymous artist. The artwork presents a scene reminiscent of the 17th century bourgeoisie, a rising class that enjoyed newfound social mobility. Here, we see five figures gathered around a table on a terrace. The subjects are adorned in the fashion of the time, their clothing reflecting their social standing and wealth. Notice the attention to detail in the ruffs around their necks, the cut of their jackets, and the elaborate chair occupied by the woman. Consider the social dynamics at play. The individuals at the table engage in conversation and the display of their sophisticated tastes. There is an element of performance here, the way they carry themselves, the clothes they wear, the setting in which they are placed. The image captures a specific moment in history when identity and social status were closely tied to external markers of wealth and gentility. It evokes a world where social rituals and class distinctions shaped daily life.