The Raree-show (’t Fraay Curieus) — Willem van Mieris

Willem van Mieris. Painted 1718.

The old Dutch title (in parentheses) refers to the cries ‘beautiful!’ (fraai) and ‘extraordinary!’ (curieus) with which itinerant performers announced themselves. Here a performer shows a wooden triptych with characters from a chivalric romance, while undoubtedly recounting the tale to those gathered around. Willem van Mieris was a ‘fine painter’, meaning that he rendered the scene in a highly detailed and refined manner. The painting is actually also a kind of peepshow.

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

panel, oil paint (paint) · Original size: 49 × 58 cm · Purchased with the support of the Vereniging Rembrandt, with additional funding from the Prins Bernhard Fonds and the Rijksmuseum Fonds

Print: 49 × 58 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/200411629. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.