Duitstalig gedicht 1640

"Duitstalig gedicht" (1640) is an engraving by Crispijn van de Passe (II) (1597-1670) that is currently in the Rijksmuseum. The artwork depicts a decorative letter "S" with a poem printed below. It is a prime example of the artistic style known as "letterpress," which was popular in the 17th century. This type of art combines the decorative visual quality of lettering with the written word, offering a unique blend of art and literature. The poem printed below the "S" is in Dutch, showcasing the multi-lingual nature of artistic and cultural expression in the 17th century. The small size of the artwork, measuring 140mm x 190mm, highlights the intricate details and precision required for engraving in this period.