Twee figuren kijken naar een spinnenweb 1682

This 1682 engraving, "Twee figuren kijken naar een spinnenweb" by Arnold Houbraken, depicts two figures, one with a staff, observing a spider web in a window. The figures seem to be in conversation, their gestures suggesting a shared interest in the intricate web. Houbraken, a Dutch artist known for his portraits and engravings, often incorporated allegorical elements into his work. This piece, part of a larger series, likely employs the spider web as a symbol of deceit or entrapment, a common theme in art and literature of the period. Houbraken's detailed etching style creates a sense of realism, further engaging the viewer with the scene. This engraving, now in the Rijksmuseum, provides a glimpse into the artistic and societal values of 17th-century Dutch culture.