Twee tollenaars Possibly 1770 - 1774

"Twee tollenaars" is a mezzotint by Richard Earlom, a British artist known for his work in this medium, dating from possibly between 1770 and 1774. The artwork depicts two tax collectors, with one seated at a table, pen in hand, recording the transaction while the other counts coins. The scene is intimate and detailed, with the viewer drawn into the dimly lit room where the collectors are working. The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that creates a strong contrast between light and dark, enhances the drama of the scene, capturing the essence of the figures' work and the weight of the transaction. This print is now part of the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.