Illustratie voor de Decamerone van Boccaccio 1697

Romeyn de Hooghe created this illustration for Boccaccio's Decameron, capturing a scene of intimate interaction. De Hooghe was active during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by significant economic prosperity and cultural flourishing in the Netherlands. The artwork subtly navigates the complexities of gender and social status. The woman's elaborate dress and feathered fan suggest a position of privilege, yet her posture and expression hint at a deeper, perhaps stifled, emotional life. The man’s gesture and gaze direct our attention, yet the narrative remains ambiguous. This piece invites us to consider the unspoken dialogues within social interactions. It speaks to the ways in which individuals negotiate identity and desire within the confines of societal expectations. The illustration offers a glimpse into a world where appearances and realities may often diverge.