1634 versus 1655

The difference between the two paintings from 1655 and the early sketchy etching is quite impressive.

In material and social terms to begin with, the mode of perception is radically dissimilar. A small image such as this must be taken in one’s hands, looked at from close-up, and alone, whereas in the larger theatrical paintings, viewers go to the public space of a museum and see them at the same time and in the same place as other people.

Back to the intimacy of the etching...