Lachende jongeman 1600 - 1625

Hendrick Goltzius made this small etching of a laughing young man. The expressive face and jaunty hat give us a glimpse into the world of the late 16th century Netherlands. Goltzius, based in Haarlem, was a leading figure in the Northern Mannerist style. But what was the public role of art in this society? Prints like these were more accessible than paintings, and helped to spread new styles and ideas. We see the influence of Italian art in the exaggerated emotions and elegant lines. But we also see a distinctly Dutch interest in everyday life. The young man's ambiguous smile invites the viewer to consider his social position. Is he a carefree youth or something else? Historical research into clothing, social customs, and the art market of the time helps us understand the nuances of this image. Through such research, art history brings Goltzius' world to life.