De Hoop 1703 - 1775

"De Hoop," or Hope, was created by Louis Fabritius Dubourg using pen, brush, and gray ink. Consider the historical context during Dubourg's lifetime: a time when the Dutch Republic was transitioning from its Golden Age, facing economic challenges and shifts in political power. The artwork depicts a woman, swathed in drapery, set against a landscape background. Her gaze is direct, and her hand rests on her chest in a gesture of vulnerability. Next to her there is an anchor, a symbol for 'hope'. The piece creates an emotional paradox, it reflects a time when the Dutch identity sought solace in traditional virtues amidst societal changes. Dubourg opts for a gentler, more intimate portrayal of Hope, inviting viewers to find strength in quiet reflection.