Fotoreproductie van een schilderij van Joan Blaeu en zijn echtgenote door Jan de Braij 1876

Here is a photograph of a painting by Jan de Braij of Joan Blaeu and his wife, captured by Pieter Oosterhuis. Blaeu was a renowned printer, so issues of class and commerce are inevitably woven into this reproduction. This image highlights the cultural and historical context of 17th-century Dutch society. Blaeu’s success as a cartographer and publisher reflects the economic prosperity of the Dutch Golden Age, which was fueled by global trade and colonialism. His identity as a man of science and commerce intersects with his personal life, as depicted in the portrait with his wife. Through the lens of contemporary theory, one might consider how gender roles are portrayed, with Blaeu as the active, intellectual figure and his wife in a more supportive, domestic role. This artwork prompts us to reflect on the intertwined nature of personal identity and societal values.