Rijksmuseum

De beugelaar

Date

1654

Medium

paper

Institution

Rijksmuseum

The man pushing a ball along is playing ringball. In this game, a ball must be driven through a ring at the end of an alley. In the 17th century it was a popular amusement, and alleys were often located near alehouses and inns. The remaining figures are thus doubtless tavern customers, whom Rembrandt drew exceptionally freely in the etching ground.

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