Genre Scene with Elegant Young Couples in a Landscape — Nicolaas Verkolje

Nicolaas Verkolje. Painted c. 1744.

The Birdwatchers and The Anglers, also on this wall, are both full of sexual allusions. While the mood in The Anglers is still cheerful and amorous, here the atmosphere is menacing. Birding is synonymous with making love; however, the consent does not seem to be mutual. One of the women is being assaulted, while the other two come to her aid. The bird the man forces on her was a well-known symbol for the male sex organ.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Currently on display in 18th Century, Main building, Amsterdam canal room 1748 / Painting.

panel, oil paint (paint) · Original size: 47 × 59 cm · Purchase made possible by an anonymous bequest

Print: 47 × 59 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/200682945. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.