Geestelijke met een slang en een vos Possibly 1670 - 1724

"Geestelijke met een slang en een vos" (Cleric with a snake and a fox) is an etching by Dutch artist Jacob Gole, dating from possibly 1670-1724. This small, circular print (115 mm x 90 mm) depicts a cleric with a cunning expression, holding a fox while a snake is wrapped around his hat. The image is a satirical commentary on the perceived duplicity of the clergy, comparing them to animals known for their cunning and deception. This etching, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, provides insight into the societal critique prevalent during the artist's time.