Rijksmuseum

De jagersbuit

Date

c. 1658 - c. 1661

Medium

canvas, oil paint (paint)

Institution

Rijksmuseum

This woman, engaged in handiwork, ponders a romantic proposition. She looks thoughtfully at the bird presented to her by a hopeful hunter. In the 17th century, ‘birding’ was a euphemism for making love. Hence, the statuette of Cupid, the god of love, graces the cupboard. Caught between faith and pleasure, she hesitates – her eyes on the fowl, yet reaches for the prayer book on the table.

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