XXI Beter stil gestaen 1614

"XXI Beter stil gestaen" (1614) is an engraving by Dutch artist Roemer Visscher (1547-1620). This print, now housed at the Rijksmuseum, is part of a series called "Van de Sinnepoppen". It depicts a young boy playing with a hoop and stick, with the accompanying text suggesting idleness is better than a life of toil. The image, rendered in black and white, emphasizes the simplicity of childhood play, contrasting with the seriousness of the accompanying text, making it a fascinating example of 17th-century Dutch visual culture and social commentary.