Rondreizende acteurs 1780

"Rondreizende acteurs" (Traveling Actors), an etching by German artist Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki, depicts a group of traveling performers in three scenes. The small, intimate scale of the piece, measuring just 137 mm by 79 mm, emphasizes the immediacy and realism of the scene. Chodowiecki was known for his meticulous detail and ability to capture the everyday lives of ordinary people, and this work showcases these talents. This etching, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, captures the essence of a traveling troupe, showcasing their humble circumstances and the joy they bring to their audiences. The work highlights a specific moment in time and is considered a significant example of 18th-century genre art.