Unequal love

Meester NW (mentioned on object), 1640

While the older man embraces her, the woman secretly takes a coin from his purse. This theme, a caution against unequal love, was popular in the 17th century. The print was made in a stipple technique used by silversmiths. Passages of light and shadow seem to be reversed, as in a photo negative. Because of the subtle transitions between light and dark, the image looks almost three-dimensional.

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-2018-1565-1
  • Dimensionsheight 97 mm x width 62 mm
  • Physical characteristicsponsgravure

Identification

  • Title(s)

    Unequal love

  • Object type

  • Object number

    RP-P-2018-1565-1

  • Description

    Een oude man omhelst een jonge vrouw die tegelijkertijd een muntstuk steelt uit zijn geldbuidel.

  • Inscriptions / marks

    • name: ‘Johann Andreas Boerner, Neurenberg’ Lugt 269
    • collector's mark: Lugt 2228
    • collector's mark: Lugt 2760

Creation

  • Creation

    • printmaker: Meester NW (mentioned on object), Germany
    • after design by Meester NW (mentioned on object), Germany

  • Dating

    1640

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Material and technique

  • Physical description

    ponsgravure

  • Dimensions

    height 97 mm x width 62 mm

Explanatory note

  • Onbeschreven. Enig andere bekende afdruk in National Gallery, Washington.

This work is about

  • Subject

Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    Purchased with the support of the F.G. Waller-Fonds

  • Acquisition

    purchase 2018-06-28

  • Copyright

    Public domain

Persistent URL

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