Exploring the comical side of Dutch art during the 17th century
During the “Golden Age” of Dutch art in the 17th century, humor and hidden jokes played a significant role in the country’s artistic landscape. With a growing middle class and a shift in artistic subject matter, Dutch artists began incorporating bawdy comedy into their works. From visual puns to absurd characters, these hidden jokes added an element of amusement to the paintings. In this article, we will delve into five Dutch artworks that are sure to bring a smile to your face.
Jan Steen, Woman at her Toilet (1663)
Jan Steen’s “Woman at her Toilet” is a prime example of hidden wordplay. In this painting, the lady is depicted putting on her stocking (“kous”) next to a chamberpot (“piespot”). When the two words are combined, it reveals that she is a prostitute (“pieskous”). Steen’s cleverness doesn’t stop there; he also adds a punny signature by signing his surname, which means “stone” in Dutch, onto the left stone column.
Johannes Vermeer, The Music Lesson (1662)
Johannes Vermeer’s “The Music Lesson” appears innocent at first glance, with two young lovers exchanging coy glances through a mirror above the piano. However, upon closer inspection, Vermeer has incorporated a phallic symbol in the form of a large cello lying on its back in the center of the floor. Once you’ve noticed it, it becomes impossible to unsee.
Willem Claesz, Still Life with Wan Li Plate (1649)
Willem Claesz’s “Still Life with Wan Li Plate” falls into the category of “vanitas” paintings, which rely on dark comedy. The painting features symbols of wealth, such as an expensive Chinese plate and silver goblet, but these objects are filled with refuse and appear haphazardly discarded. The artwork serves as a reminder that despite one’s possessions, death is inevitable, and material wealth cannot be taken with you.
Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Netherlandish Proverbs (1607)
Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s “Netherlandish Proverbs” is a bustling village scene that cleverly incorporates more than 126 Dutch proverbs. The painting becomes a kind of Golden Age Dutch rebus game, with illustrations of various proverbs. For example, a man biting a pillar represents a religious hypocrite, a roof tiled with tarts symbolizes extraordinary wealth, and a man leaning out of a window to “crap on the world” signifies despising everything. The popularity of the painting led to numerous copies made by Bruegel’s son, Pieter the Younger.
Hieronymus Bosch, The Garden of Earthly Delights (1480–1505)
Hieronymus Bosch’s “The Garden of Earthly Delights” takes us further back in time to the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Considered one of the world’s first Surrealist artists, Bosch filled his painting with absurd characters and bizarre scenes. From a blue bird-man eating a naked man to a lascivious pig dressed as a nun, the artwork is a visual feast of surreal humor.
Conclusion:
The Dutch “Golden Age” of art was not just about serious subjects and religious themes. It was a period that embraced humor and hidden jokes, providing a glimpse into the lighter side of Dutch culture during the 17th century. Artists like Jan Steen, Johannes Vermeer, Willem Claesz, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, and Hieronymus Bosch infused their works with clever wordplay, visual puns, and absurd characters, creating a legacy of comical masterpieces that continue to bring joy to viewers today.
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