Narrensnijder 1575 - 1600

"Narrensnijder" (Fool's Cutter) is a satirical print by Heinrich Wirich, created between 1575 and 1600. The artwork depicts a scene of a man, possibly a barber, cutting the hair of a man with a large ruff, likely symbolizing the fashionable trends of the time. The figure on the left represents an influential figure, perhaps a wealthy patron or even a member of the nobility, possibly suggesting that even the elite were subject to ridicule and mockery. This satirical image reveals Wirich's sharp commentary on the societal norms of the time and it is a good example of early Dutch satirical prints. The artwork is currently on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.