Pauwen 1611 - 1661

This print, titled ‘Pauwen,’ was made by an anonymous artist in the Netherlands, using etching. The image shows two peacocks, a parrot, a rabbit, and a figure of a man who is looking up at the peacock. The prominence of peacocks, symbols of wealth and status, suggests a Dutch cultural context where global trade and commerce allowed for the accumulation of exotic goods. The Rijksmuseum, where this print is housed, was established to reflect Dutch art and history. It has played a role in shaping national identity through its collection. The print invites us to consider the social conditions that shape artistic production, such as the patronage of wealthy merchants and the demands of the art market. By researching Dutch trade routes, social hierarchies, and artistic conventions, we can better understand the social meanings that are embedded within the image.