Don Quichot en de Ridder van de Spiegels 1732 - 1733

Bernard Picart created this engraving, “Don Quichot en de Ridder van de Spiegels,” sometime before 1733. Picart lived in an era marked by shifting social structures, and religious tensions following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Here, we see an illustration of a scene from Miguel de Cervantes's "Don Quixote," a foundational text that helped define the early modern European novel. Picart’s detailed etching captures a critical moment of delusion and defeat. Don Quixote, spurred by his romantic ideals, has just vanquished the Knight of the Mirrors. The piece delves into themes of identity, particularly how self-perception clashes with reality. Don Quixote, lost in his chivalric fantasies, is confronted by the staged intervention of his friends hoping to restore his sanity. This intervention involves constructing a false image of knighthood, highlighting the performative aspects of identity and the power of social constructs. The emotional weight of the scene is palpable—the fallen knight embodies disillusionment, while Don Quixote stands firm in his convictions, fueled by a blend of madness and idealism. Ultimately, this engraving challenges us to reflect on the narratives we construct for ourselves and the societal forces that shape our identities.