Lucas van Leyden (ca 1494 - 1533)
The Milkmaid
Title
The Milkmaid
Dating
1510
Material/Technique
Copper engraving on paper
Dimensions
Mått 11,70 x 15,60 cm
Category
Inventory number
G Q 212/1911
Acquisition
Gift of Oscar Quensel, 1911
Display Status
Not on display at the museum
Description
At first glance, van Leyden’s famous engraving The Milkmaid looks like a realistic depiction of the countryside in the Netherlands in the 16th century. Even though the cows make up the centre of the composition, the milkmaid is the main character. Van Leyden created several prints on the theme of relationships, among them The Milkmaid.
Van Leyden’s work is often characterised as having narrative and entertaining qualities. The Dutch word “melken”, to milk, also had the popular meaning to attract, or to tempt. For 16th century viewers, the image was probably interpreted as a reference to courtship, a message which is not as evident to the public today.
Signature/Inscription
Signature (Nere i mitten i plåten): L 1510
Etikett/Stämpel (a tergo nere till vänster): GM
Inscriptions (a tergo nere till vänster): 212/1911
Inscriptions (a tergo nere mitten): B 150.
Inscriptions (a tergo i mitten): La laitière
Inscriptions (a tergo nere till höger): 3 ? ?
Exhibition History
Printed. Prints as collector's items, mass media and showpieces, Göteborg, Göteborgs konstmuseum, 14/03/2020 - 16/08/2020
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