Monnik als prins Carnaval Possibly 1670 - 1724

Jacob Gole's etching "Monnik als prins Carnaval" (1670-1724) depicts a monk, likely a caricature of a real individual, wearing a crown and drinking from a bottle. This satirical print, a small, intimate work measuring just 115 mm by 90 mm, plays on the contrast between the monk's religious attire and his worldly indulgence. The accompanying text, in French, further emphasizes this juxtaposition, suggesting that the monk's indulgence is sanctioned by a "plenary indulgence," a concept used in the Catholic Church. Gole's work, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides a glimpse into the social and religious dynamics of 17th-century Dutch life.