Don Quichot verwart een boerin voor Dulcinea 1732 - 1733

Bernard Picart made this print, "Don Quichot verwart een boerin voor Dulcinea," in the early 18th century using etching and engraving. Picart was a master of reproductive printmaking, and here he engages with Miguel de Cervantes’ famous novel "Don Quixote." The image depicts a scene where Don Quixote mistakes a peasant woman for his idealized lady, Dulcinea, a deception orchestrated by Sancho Panza. Made in the Netherlands, the print reflects a broader European fascination with Cervantes' novel, which was quickly becoming a cornerstone of Western literature. Dutch artists were at the forefront of illustrating literary classics for a growing reading public. This print offered a visual interpretation of a key scene, inviting viewers to reflect on the themes of illusion, social satire, and the power of imagination found in Cervantes' work. To fully appreciate Picart’s print, one can look into the history of Dutch printmaking, the reception of "Don Quixote" in the 18th century, and the social dynamics depicted in the artwork. Art like this reminds us that its meaning is always embedded in a specific cultural and historical moment.