The Flute Player (B., Holl. 188; H. 200)

Details

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
The Flute Player (B., Holl. 188; H. 200)
etching with drypoint, 1642, a good impression of the fourth, final state, watermark Foolscap with a Five-Pointed Collar with Pendant Initials ID (cf. A. & F. E.a.) with margins, a foxmark on the reverse just showing through near the young woman's elbow, very minor defects at the sheet corners where previously mounted verso, otherwise in very good condition
P. 116 x 145 mm., S. 127 x 155 mm.

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Lot Essay

In the circle of print lovers and collectors, the present work was long known as Eulenspiegel ('Owl-glass') after the protagonist of a popular folk-tale. The name of this notorious trickster was proverbial from the 16th century onwards, and used to denote someone with a wily nature. The term 'to play Eulenspiegel's flute' meant to talk rubbish or to take someone for a ride. The owl on the shepherd's shoulder makes reference to this, and acts as a symbol of the night. Ostensibly he is playing the flute (in itself a fairly unambiguous allusion), but in reality he is absorbed in less high-minded pursuits. The herd of sheep and goats to the right take advantage of his distraction and fight to get at the water.

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