Spotprent op Johannes le Francq van Berkhey als de Poppeman, 1784 1784

This is an etching from 1784 by an anonymous artist, now held in the Rijksmuseum. It's a satirical scene, rendered with precise lines that delineate the figures and their setting. The composition is structured around a stone window, framing three figures in a theatrical display. The textures, created by hatching and cross-hatching, give depth to the characters' garments and faces. Light and shadow are stark, emphasizing the satirical tone. The figure in the elaborate costume is elevated, both literally and figuratively, directing the gaze with an outstretched arm, while the other figures react, creating a dynamic interplay. The print challenges established social positions through its pointed caricature. The composition serves not only to depict a scene, but also to comment on power, performance, and the illusion of control. The satirical intent, embedded within the formal qualities of the print, invites ongoing interpretation of its cultural critique.