Artwork
De Smaek (Taste)
De Smaek (Taste) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jan Both. It is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower left in plate: ABoth. Inven.; lower right in plate: Both.Fecit; lower center in plate: Het Schynt dat Griete-gruys haer flenfjes ... keel tot binnen in syn maegh.
About this work
Overview
De Smaek (Taste), an etching on laid paper by Jan Dirksz Both, dates to circa 1700. It exemplifies the Dutch Italianate landscape tradition, blending Dutch realism with Italianate elements.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a bustling scene where a woman tastes something from a spoon, surrounded by a curious, dynamic crowd and a musician. The title and accompanying Dutch text suggest the work explores themes of discernment, choice, and reactions to novelty, with a playful tone.
Technique & Style
Characterized by rough lines and expressive shadows, the etching showcases Both’s use of etching techniques typical of the period, emphasizing texture and movement. The sharp, detailed lines were achieved through carving into a metal plate.
History & Provenance
Jan Dirksz Both, a multifaceted artist (painter, draughtsman, and etcher), contributed significantly to the 17th-century Dutch Italianate landscape genre. Specific provenance details for De Smaek are not provided.
Context
Created within the Dutch Golden Age, De Smaek reflects the era’s artistic inclinations towards realism merged with Italianate influences, catering to the market’s demand for such landscapes and genre scenes.
Legacy
While specific legacy details of De Smaek are not outlined, it contributes to the broader understanding and appreciation of Dutch Italianate landscapes and the technical evolution of etching in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Dirksz Both was a Dutch painter, draughtsman, and etcher, who made an important contribution to the development of Dutch Italianate landscape painting.
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