The Carpenter
The Netherlands, 1630-1640
Etching
Plate: 208 × 163 mm
Sheet: 222 × 169 mm
Two carpenters work on planks of wood, surrounded by the tools of their trade. They are depicted as industrious and hardworking, focused intently on their craft. This print was originally one of a series of eighteen etchings of craftsmen that included trades such as blacksmiths, basket makers and weavers. Van Vliet depicted his humble subjects in an earnest and sober manner rather than with the humour utilised by contemporaries such as Van Ostade.
Purchased November 1957 (No. 57. 13) for £5.00