Man met tamboerijn 1875

Vicomte Arthur-Jean Le Bailly d'Inghuem created this etching titled "Man met tamboerijn." The tambourine, held by the reclining figure, is more than a mere instrument; it's a symbol deeply rooted in centuries of ritual and celebration. Consider its echoes in the Dionysian rites of ancient Greece, where frenzied music and dance induced ecstatic states. This motif resurfaces throughout history, from medieval festivals to the vibrant carnivals of the Renaissance, embodying themes of liberation and altered states of consciousness. The image's appeal lies in its engagement with our collective memory. The tambourine carries a sense of freedom and expression that resonates on a subconscious level. Even though its context and meaning transform, the tambourine remains a potent symbol.