Drie musicerende figuren 1655 - 1700

Jan van Somer made this print, "Three Musicians," measuring about 26 by 21 centimeters, sometime in the 17th century. The print depicts the leisure activities of the Dutch upper class. Domestic music-making, for instance, was a common theme in Dutch art, reflecting its increasing cultural and social significance. The print also suggests the institutional role of women. The women depicted are actively participating in the music-making, which challenges traditional gender roles, where women were often portrayed as passive objects. This progressive representation could reflect the changing social norms and the growing prominence of women in the cultural life of the time. To get a deeper insight into this period, one might consult historical records, letters, and other images from Dutch archives. Doing so will reveal how art both reflected and shaped the social norms of its time.