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Magdalena van de Passe (1600-1638), after Crispijn van de Passe I (1564-1637), engraving, c. 1630
The boy’s upward gaze causes a curious element in this print to jump out, namely the cage with young birds hanging from the tree. The door is open, and the little birds can fly out. In 17th-century Dutch art this detail usually signifies the loss of virginity. But whether Magdalena van de Passe – Crispijn’s daughter – actually alludes to this here is open to discussion.
- Artwork typeprint
- Object numberRP-P-OB-15.838
- Dimensionsheight 239 mm x width 163 mm
- Physical characteristicsgravure