A family group

Barent Graat’s painting depicts the Dutch bourgeoisie at their most mocking, without ceremony or pictorial etiquette, enjoying fruit and wine on a terrace with no suggestion of excess apart from the opulence of the clothes. The head of the family and the woman are easily identified in the centre of the composition, the latter being the only one wearing a hat, while the woman is enthroned on a chair with arms. This work demonstrates how the older generations continued to use styles that had gone out of fashion among the younger members of society: the parents retained a fashionable style that belonged to the Netherlands during the first three decades of the 17th century. In contrast, several members of the younger generation adopt new fabrics, hairstyles and garments in new colours.

Collection: Images

Project: 4. Family, daily life and social inequality in Europe.

Chronology: XVII

Scope: Secondary Education, Baccalaureate, University

Link: https://www.rct.uk/collection/405341/a-family-group