Waarzeggen 1712 - 1772

"Waarzeggen" (Fortune-telling) is an etching by Petrus Johannes van Reysschoot, created between 1712 and 1772. The print depicts a scene of a man receiving fortune-telling advice from a fortune teller. The man is standing with a stick in his hand while looking at the fortune-teller, who has a dog at his side. The text at the bottom reads "Die licht gelooft wordt licht bedrogen", meaning "He who believes easily is easily deceived". This artwork provides a glimpse into the social realities and anxieties surrounding fortune-telling during the 18th century. The etching's small size, measuring only 114 mm in height and 95 mm in width, suggests it was likely intended for personal viewing and reflection.