Arlequin en zijn vrouw 1816 - 1849

Jan Bernardus Ulrich created this print called 'Harlequin and his Wife'. It is currently in the Rijksmuseum. The print is most likely an illustrated explanation of the rules for playing a game. Harlequin, a character from the Italian commedia dell’arte, often appears in art as a trickster or a figure of satire. Here he is pictured with his wife, in a grid-like pattern with numbers. Prints like this one were often colorful and inexpensive, making them accessible to a broad audience. As suggested by the text underneath the image, they offered a form of entertainment and a sense of community through shared activities. Consider how this print, designed for leisure, reflects the social values and entertainment preferences of its time. It prompts us to reflect on the role of art in shaping cultural identity and shared experiences. In its design and function, Ulrich's print blurs the lines between art, game, and social commentary.