Monnik met speelkaarten om de hals Possibly 1670 - 1724

"Monnik met speelkaarten om de hals" (Monk with playing cards around his neck) is a satirical etching by Jacob Gole, a Dutch artist known for his humorous and often irreverent depictions of religious figures. This small, intimate portrait, dating to the late 17th or early 18th century, presents a monk in profile, his face distorted and exaggerated, wearing a long beard and a cassock. The playful use of playing cards around his neck adds to the humorous and critical tone, emphasizing the potential hypocrisy of religious figures. This artwork is a testament to the artist’s talent for capturing the essence of his subjects with a sharp and witty eye, offering a glimpse into the social commentary and humor of the period.