Storytelling in Miniature

Adriaen van Ostade
Dutch, 1610–1685

The Empty Jug (Le Cruche vide)

Etching, about 1653
4 1/8 x 3 1/2 in.
Frederick B. Shoemaker Fund, 1951.321

In this print three peasants are absorbed with what appears to be an empty wine jug; their attention suggests disbelief. The figures lean into each other, drawing the focus of the viewer. The arched doorway at the back mimics the hats of the central characters and frames the figure on the right.