The Flute-player

etching and drypoint, 1642

This print was formerly called ‘het Uylenspiegeltje’ (the scoundrel), and not without reason. Rembrandt concealed all kinds of erotic double entendres in this scene of a shepherd couple beside the water. The man furtively peeks under the woman’s skirt and happens to point with his flute – a phallic symbol – in the same direction. The woman is weaving a wreath of flowers, an allusion to female genitalia.

  • Artwork typeprint
  • Object numberRP-P-OB-248
  • Dimensionsheight 114 mm x width 143 mm
  • Physical characteristicsets en droge naald met plaattoon