De Omroeper van Versailles, 1692 1675 - 1715

This anonymous etching, "De Omroeper van Versailles" (1675-1715), depicts a figure dressed in elaborate attire ringing a bell. He is the "Crieur de Versailles", or the town crier of Versailles, and his image is surrounded by text in both French and Dutch. This piece, housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a satirical representation of the town crier, capturing his importance as a herald of news and announcements during the 17th century. The etching is a testament to the visual culture of the era, utilizing engraving to capture the details of the figure and his surroundings, making this a visually engaging satirical piece.