Dorpsgezicht met waterbron 1603 - 1650

"Dorpsgezicht met waterbron" (Village View with a Spring) is an etching by Matthäus Merian the Elder, created between 1603 and 1650. The print depicts a typical 17th-century European village scene, showcasing a village street, houses, and figures engaged in daily activities. The meticulous detail of the architectural elements and the expressive poses of the figures reveal Merian's keen observation of everyday life. The composition is balanced by the inclusion of a central building and a water source on the right, emphasizing the importance of water in the village life. This etching is an excellent example of the Dutch Golden Age's interest in capturing the essence of everyday life, often referred to as "genre" scenes. It is housed in the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, and its small size, 116 mm by 155 mm, makes it a testament to the artist's mastery of intricate detail within a compact format.