Vagebonden 1632 - 1670

"Vagebonden" (1632 - 1670), an etching by Frederick Bloemaert, depicts a scene of rural life. The print features a group of vagrants gathered around a makeshift shelter, engaged in various activities. One figure stands holding a drinking cup, while another plays a flute. A third figure reclines on the ground, while a fourth man appears to be entering the shelter. The scene is set in a wooded landscape, with a small hut nestled among the trees. The etching provides a glimpse into the lives of the marginalized in 17th-century Dutch society, showcasing their simple existence and their reliance on the natural world. The etching is an example of Bloemaert's skill in capturing the details of everyday life, and it offers a valuable insight into the social and economic realities of the time. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam.