Nacht 1731 - 1788

"Die fröhliche Nacht" (The Happy Night), an etching created between 1731 and 1788 by Johann Esaias Nilson, depicts a scene of jovial nighttime merriment. A group of figures, including children and a dog, gather beneath a window where a couple watches from inside. The central figure holds a lantern, illuminating the scene with a warm glow. The title and the image's composition create a playful atmosphere, hinting at a joyful evening out. This piece, held in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies the artistic style of 18th-century German etching, known for its intricate detail and focus on everyday life.