Enigmes Joyeuses pour les Bons Esprits, Plate 9 1610 - 1620

Jan van Haelbeeck created this print, titled *Enigmes Joyeuses pour les Bons Esprits, Plate 9*, sometime in the early 17th century. During this period in the Netherlands, there was a growing interest in domestic scenes, often reflecting the social structures and gender roles of the time. In this artwork, a woman labors to draw water from a well, while a man looks down upon her from an adjacent building. The image offers a glimpse into the daily life, but also subtly highlights the gendered division of labor. While the man observes, the woman performs the physical task, reflecting the patriarchal norms which governed society during this time. The artist’s choice to depict this scene invites reflection on the lived experiences of women and the power dynamics inherent in seemingly ordinary moments. What does it mean to see the labor of women so plainly on display? Perhaps the image is a celebration, or perhaps it is a reminder of an unequal society.