Vioolspeler en een jonge lierdraaier by Anonymous

Vioolspeler en een jonge lierdraaier

1654 - 1754

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Anonymous

@anonymous

Location

Rijksmuseum
0:00
0:00

Artwork details

Medium
print, etching
Dimensions
height 70 mm, width 92 mm
Location
Rijksmuseum
Copyright
Rijks Museum: Open Domain

Tags

#ink drawing#pen drawing#dutch-golden-age#print#etching#landscape#figuration#genre-painting

About this artwork

This small, unsigned etching depicts a fiddler and a young hurdy-gurdy player entertaining a group of drinkers. It was likely made in the Netherlands, sometime in the 17th century. The image presents a fascinating glimpse into the social life of the time. Note the contrast between the musicians, who are presumably working for a living, and the men seated at the table, who appear to be leisurely drinking or gambling. Does the artist pass judgement on this social hierarchy? Is this a celebration of the popular classes, or a satire? Understanding this image depends on knowing the social function of music-making in the Dutch Golden Age. Fortunately, social historians have revealed much about the popular entertainments of the period. Archival evidence of music guilds and tavern culture can help us to better understand the cultural context of this intriguing little image.

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