The Archer and the Milkmaid

Jacques de Gheyn II|Andries Stock|Nicolaes de Clerck

ca. 1610 · Engraving; first state of two (New Hollstein) · Drawings and Prints

The well-bred artist Jacques de Gheyn treats the subject of milkmaids with more circumspection than is found in popular prints of the period. An archer with a bulging codpiece aims his crossbow right at the viewer, like Cupid hitting us between the eyes. The archer and his helpful companion (who wears his hat) reappear as lovers in the left background, where a stallion (presumably) ogles a mare. De Gheyn refers to slang expressions such as "milking" (see 41.1.24) and "shooting your bolt." The inscriptions were probably added by the publisher. The Latin verse lamely alludes to male anatomy while the Dutch text warns maidens of men with crossbows cocked.

Artist

Jacques de Gheyn II|Andries Stock|Nicolaes de Clerck

Date

ca. 1610

Medium

Engraving; first state of two (New Hollstein)

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1949