A Grandee, a Peasant, and a Veiled Woman
Medium
engraving on laid paper
Dimensions
plate: 24 x 16.9 cm (9 7/16 x 6 5/8 in.) sheet: 40 x 27.3 cm (15 3/4 x 10 3/4 in.)
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
New Century Fund
Accession Number
2004.21.5
Art Historical Context
In the late 16th century, the vibrant artistic scene of the Dutch Republic emerging from Spanish rule, *A Grandee, a Peasant, and a Ve Woman* captures a striking social tableau. Attributed to engraver Zacharias Dolendo a design by Jacques de Gheyn—one of the era's leading Northern Mannerist artists—this 1595/1596 print juxtaposes figures from disparate worlds: a noble grandee in finery, a humble peasant and an enigmatic veiled woman. Such contrasts often symbolized the vanities of rank and mortality, themes resonant in Mannerist works that blended elegance with subtle moral commentary. Engrav...