Drie musicerende mannen 1633 - 1672

Here we see "Three Music-Making Men", an etching made by Willem Basse sometime in the 17th century, a period of immense social and cultural change in the Netherlands. Basse’s work provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people, reflecting a broader interest in genre scenes during the Dutch Golden Age. The artwork is evocative of the communal, often boisterous, aspects of early modern Dutch life. Music-making was a central part of celebrations, social gatherings, and even everyday labor. But beyond its surface, the print raises questions about class and social mobility. The musicians, seemingly common folk, are depicted with a certain raw energy. The setting is humble, near a fireplace, with simple props which suggests a life removed from the Dutch elite. The enjoyment these men find in their music, however, transcends their material conditions. It’s a moment of shared humanity. It asks us to consider: who has the right to joy, and how do we find it even in constrained circumstances?