Man kijkt in lege kruik, twee mannen kijken toe 1651 - 1655

Adriaen van Ostade crafted this etching, depicting three men, one peering intently into an empty jug. The jug, a vessel of communal spirit and often joviality, here stands barren, a poignant symbol of emptiness or perhaps disillusionment. Consider how this motif of the empty vessel resonates across time. In classical antiquity, the cornucopia, overflowing with abundance, was a symbol of prosperity. Yet, the inverse, the empty vessel, carries its own weight. It echoes in modern anxieties about scarcity and unfulfilled desires. Observe the expressions of the figures; their subtle gestures convey a shared disappointment. In this small scene, Ostade captures a deeply human moment, inviting us to reflect on the cyclical nature of plenty and want. The image resonates even today, reminding us of our collective hopes and fears tied to the simple promise of sustenance and satisfaction.