The Raree-show (’t Fraay Curieus) by Willem van Mieris

The Raree-show (’t Fraay Curieus) 1718

steam punk

light earthy tone

derelict

dark-toned

child

underpainting

19th century

neutral brown palette

brown colour palette

watercolor

warm toned green

"The Raree-show (’t Fraay Curieus)" by Willem van Mieris, painted in 1718, depicts a lively scene in a Dutch tavern. The painting showcases the artist's meticulous attention to detail and skill in capturing the everyday lives of ordinary people. The central focus is on a "raree-show," a traveling exhibition of curiosities, captivating the attention of a young child and a group of adults. The painting, now part of the Rijksmuseum collection, exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age genre of "genre painting," known for its realistic depictions of everyday life.

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rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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The old Dutch title (in parentheses) refers to the cries ‘beautiful!’ (fraai) and ‘extraordinary!’ (curieus) with which itinerant performers announced themselves. Here a performer shows a wooden triptych with characters from a chivalric romance, while undoubtedly recounting the tale to those gathered around. Willem van Mieris was a ‘fine painter’, meaning that he rendered the scene in a highly detailed and refined manner. The painting is actually also a kind of peepshow.