De Hansworst 1675

Curator: Today, we’re looking at "De Hansworst," an etching by Giuseppe Maria Mitelli, dating back to 1675. It's currently held in the Rijksmuseum collection. Editor: The first thing that strikes me is the sheer absurdity! It's grotesque and wonderful. Look at the bulging eyes and theatrical swagger—like a dark clown ready to deliver a cutting line. Curator: Absolutely. Mitelli’s prints often explore satire and caricature, commenting on societal figures through exaggerated forms. Here, the 'Hansworst,' a traditional comic character similar to a Harlequin, stands with a performing monkey on one side, and Italian text on the other side. Editor: So, how do you think this particular print was produced, exactly? Curator: It's an etching. That means Mitelli would have used a metal plate covered with a wax-like ground. He then scratches his design into the ground, exposes the plate to acid, which bites into the exposed lines, then he applies ink into those etched grooves to make an imprint. This allows for a fine, linear quality—you can see it in the detailing of the clothing and facial features. Editor: So labor intensive! When I think about the work to create even one print I cannot even imagine the collective effort involved in printing multiple copies of these etchings at that time. What kind of ink did he likely use for these pieces? Curator: Good questions. Mitelli employed materials and skills characteristic of artisans engaged in producing popular imagery in that time, though specific pigment information about ink may not be available. More broadly speaking, such prints helped to build print economies in the Netherlands. Editor: Do you think the artist had any specific meaning behind his work? Curator: Beyond the visual humor, it offers social commentary, hinting at the absurdity of certain characters or roles within society. Look at his stance, how his leg is slightly bent like he's mocking courtly dance steps of some kind. He's making fun of authority, I think. The chain hanging from his waist hints he is bound, like he is restricted in his work. Editor: This kind of wit and visual skill...it makes you wonder about the artist himself. To capture the funny, tragic moments is like life in a capsule! Curator: I completely agree.