De wijsneus 1590 - 1610

"De wijsneus" (The Wise Nose) is an etching by an anonymous artist from the Dutch Golden Age (1590-1610) and is currently held by the Rijksmuseum. The print depicts a man in a jester's cap, with a large, prominent nose, reading a book. The figure is surrounded by a text in Dutch, which seems to be a satirical poem or proverb. The work is a satirical commentary on the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, and the folly of those who believe themselves to be wise. The image is a prime example of Dutch Baroque art.