Gevangenen in kerker 1630 - 1648

Cornelis de Wael created this print, "Gevangenen in Kerker," or "Prisoners in a Dungeon," sometime in the 17th century. The prisoners appear to be working, gambling, drinking, and peering out of a barred window. This small artwork gives insight into how people experienced confinement in the early modern period. De Wael's own life was marked by travel and international exchange, yet here, he depicts the static, enclosed world of those held captive. The etching technique allows for fine lines and shading that emphasizes the grimness of the scene, while also enabling the artist to portray the humanity of each figure. What stories do we tell about criminals and the incarcerated? De Wael humanizes the prisoners; they aren’t merely villainous but are a diverse group of individuals. From the man drinking, to the prisoner looking out of the barred window, you can almost feel their longing for freedom. De Wael subtly challenges viewers to consider the human cost of confinement and the social structures that perpetuate it.