Currently not on view

Shrove Tuesday,

1616–41

Jan van de Velde II, Dutch, ca. 1593–1641
after Pieter Molyn, Dutch, 1595–1661
x1960-49
Best known for his landscape etchings, Van de Velde also produced prints after works by other artists, including this nocturnal genre scene. Using engraved lines alone to achieve dramatic light and dark contrasts, Van de Velde here illustrated Vastenavond, the Dutch version of Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras, the midwinter carnival preceding Lent, the forty-day period of fasting before Easter. Contributing to the festivities were the sounds of the rommelpot, or friction drum, here played by the older woman at center. Consisting of an animal bladder stretched across a clay jug and manipulated by a reed stick, this homemade instrument would emit a noise like a grunting pig—in this print, much to the delight of the dancing children and onlookers, illuminated by a large lantern.

Information

Title
Shrove Tuesday
Dates

1616–41

Maker

Pieter Molyn

Jan van de Velde II

Medium
Engraving
Dimensions
plate: 22.1 x 17.1 cm. (8 11/16 x 6 3/4 in.) sheet: 23.6 x 19.3 cm. (9 5/16 x 7 5/8 in.)
Credit Line
Museum purchase, Laura P. Hall Memorial Fund
Object Number
x1960-49
Place Made

Europe, Netherlands

Inscription
Signed in plate below image, lower left corner: J.V. Velde / scul. Two lines of Latin inscribed in plate below image, lower center: Ludere sic ... venter eget. Inscribed in plate below image, lower right corner: P. de Molyn / inve.
Reference Numbers
Hollstein 150
Culture
European
Type
prints, engravings
Materials
printing ink
Techniques
engraving (printing process)
Subject
figures (representations), men, night, women, children (people by age group), lanterns (lighting devices), Mardi Gras

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