Harlekin, der einen Guckkasten voführt 

This drawing of ‘Harlequin Presenting a Peepshow’ was created by Jan Goeree, likely in the early 18th century. Executed in pen and brown ink, with a nuanced wash, the drawing orchestrates a lively street scene around a central spectacle. Notice how the composition draws us in through contrasting textures and tones: from the rough bark of the tree and the harlequin’s patterned suit to the smooth surfaces of the buildings. Goeree masterfully uses line and wash to define shapes, creating depth and atmosphere that animate the scene. The harlequin’s dramatic pose and the boy’s peering face invite us to consider how we engage with spectacle and illusion. The use of light and shadow, coupled with the dynamic arrangement of figures, emphasizes the theatrical nature of the event. This element disrupts the ordinary and prompts viewers to question the boundary between reality and performance, inviting us to reflect on the complex interplay between observation, illusion and interpretation.