De schijtende kunstenaar 1645

Aert van Waes's 1645 etching, "De schijtende kunstenaar," depicts a humorous scene of an artist squatting in his studio, his palette at his feet. The print's title, which translates to "The Defecating Artist," hints at the satirical nature of the work. Van Waes, known for his genre scenes, uses this print to lampoon artists by portraying them as ordinary people, highlighting the mundane aspects of their lives. The artist's relaxed pose and the everyday objects surrounding him, such as the easel and tools, further contribute to the print's humorous tone. This etching, now in the Rijksmuseum, is a testament to the artist's keen observation and ability to capture the everyday realities of life in the 17th century.