Drie mannen zingen van blad papier bij kaarslicht in open raam 1666 - 1670

Adriaen van Ostade's etching "Drie mannen zingen van blad papier bij kaarslicht in open raam" (1666-1670) depicts three men gathered in a dimly lit room, illuminated by a single candle. The men are seen singing from a sheet of paper, their heads leaning close together in a moment of shared musicality. This intimate scene, characteristic of van Ostade's genre paintings, captures the simple pleasures of everyday life for ordinary people. The etching's masterful use of light and shadow adds depth and realism, highlighting the men's expressive faces and the cozy atmosphere of the room. Now housed at the Rijksmuseum, this small but impactful work offers a glimpse into the daily lives of 17th-century Dutch citizens.