Rommelpotspeler en twee kinderen in een nis 1744 - 1780

Simon Klapmuts created this etching of a ‘Rommelpotspeler en twee kinderen in een nis’. There is a lot of ambiguity in this tiny scene, as it is not possible to tell exactly when it was made. The Rommelpot was a traditional instrument often played during festivities. It is closely associated with celebrations like carnival and Saint Nicholas, where the poor would perform in exchange for food and money. The image represents a sense of community, but is also indicative of the divide between classes. The player’s large hat and unkempt appearance are contrasted by the neat attire of the children, which implies that these are two very different social positions. The close positioning of the figures also suggests a level of intimacy and warmth, which would have been important in a time of great social and economic disparity. Despite its modest size, the artwork is evocative of both the joys and challenges of Dutch society.