Gehoor 1620 - 1638

This etching, titled 'Gehoor' or 'Hearing,' was created by Jan Both in the 17th century and is currently held at the Rijksmuseum. At first glance, we observe a bustling scene captured with fine, detailed lines, typical of etching techniques. The composition is structured around a central figure elevated on what appears to be a barrel, surrounded by a crowd. The artist’s emphasis on line and form invites us to consider the themes of perception and communication. Both strategically uses the structure of the composition to engage with contemporary ideas about the senses and human interaction. The elevated figure, possibly a merchant or performer, is the focal point. His exaggerated gestures and the captivated expressions of the onlookers suggest a dynamic interplay between speaker and audience. Ultimately, Both's attention to detail and formal arrangement prompts a deeper reflection on how art, like hearing itself, mediates our understanding of the world. It underscores the notion that meaning is constructed through the active engagement of the viewer, or in this case, the listener.