Schoorsteenveger 1660

"Schoorsteenveger" (Chimney Sweep) is an etching by Giuseppe Maria Mitelli, a prominent Italian artist of the 17th century, known for his detailed and expressive works. This print, dated 1660, depicts a chimney sweep standing against a pillar with a dramatic, exaggerated pose. The artist uses bold lines and shading to highlight the figure's worn clothing and melancholic expression, emphasizing the harsh reality of the chimney sweep's life. The etching's focus on humble individuals and their daily struggles places it within the genre of "genre painting." The work is currently part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam.