Twee acrobaten bij een circuspiste met paard 1942

Lodewijk Schelfhout created this drypoint titled 'Two Acrobats by a Circus Ring with Horse'. Born in the Netherlands, Schelfhout lived through a period of immense social change, witnessing the rise of industrialization and shifting class structures that would have a profound impact on art of the time. This print invites reflection on the lives of circus performers, who often existed on the margins of society. The figures are simply drawn; one is seated and the other standing with his arm outstretched as if in the middle of instructing the seated figure. The horse in the background hints at the acrobats' profession. Consider how the artist captures a moment of instruction or preparation. The scene conveys a sense of intimacy. By depicting these figures, Schelfhout asks us to consider the humanity and the everyday existence of those who live and work outside conventional societal structures. It’s a reminder that behind every performance is a life, with its own quiet moments and stories.