Jongen met vogelkooi 1625 - 1675

This anonymous Dutch etching from the 17th century depicts a young boy holding a birdcage. The image, titled "Jongen met vogelkooi," emphasizes the child's playful nature through their relaxed posture and the inscription below the image, which reads "My little birds are flying, therefore I must whistle. For it is better that two are in [the cage], than three times two are outside." This work, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides insight into the daily lives and amusements of children during this period. The fine detail and realistic depiction of the boy and the birdcage are characteristic of Dutch etching during the Golden Age.