Schommelend kind 1618 - 1655

Cornelis Schut created this etching, "Schommelend kind," which translates to "swinging child," during the 17th century, a time when the Dutch Republic was a major center for trade, science, and the arts. This print depicts playful putti, chubby male children often found in classical art, engaging in leisurely activities. One swings, another stands holding the swing ropes, and two embrace while eating grapes. While seemingly innocent, these images were often commissioned by wealthy patrons to signal their knowledge of classical antiquity, as well as their social status. The cherubic figures evoke a sense of abundance and carefree existence, a visual representation of the patron’s own prosperous life. But beyond the surface of pure enjoyment, it's important to consider how these idealized images, while seemingly timeless, also reflect specific cultural values and class distinctions of the time. While Schut’s etching appears to celebrate universal themes of play and affection, it invites us to reflect on who had access to such carefree moments, and who was excluded.