Tyl Uilenspiegel, in zyn leven, / Heeft veelsnakery bedreven (...) 1835 - 1837

Johannes Egbertus van Lieshout made this print of Tyl Uilenspiegel, a trickster figure, using etching and woodcut techniques. It’s undated but likely comes from the late 18th or early 19th century, drawing on older stories. These sequential images, reminiscent of early comic strips, present Uilenspiegel’s adventures. Made in the Netherlands, this print reflects a culture grappling with social mobility and shifting values. Uilenspiegel, a commoner, cleverly navigates and often mocks the established order, questioning authority and revealing societal hypocrisies. The Rijksmuseum's collection of popular prints like this one speaks to the growing market for accessible art and entertainment during this period. This work isn't just visually appealing; it’s a social commentary, self-consciously progressive in its critique of social norms. To fully understand this print, we delve into the history of Dutch popular culture. Researching period literature, social hierarchies, and the development of print media offers insight into the world that shaped this artwork and its enduring appeal.