Lamentable!

About this artwork

…; collection René Jacques della Faille de Waerloos (1830-1902), Antwerp; his sale, Amsterdam (F. Muller), 19 January 1904, no. 380, fl. 17, to the Vereniging Rembrandt;{Copy RMA.} from whom acquired by the museum (L. 2228), 1905

Art Historical Context

**Lamentable! by Adriaen Pietersz van de Venne (c. 1625–1635)** Created during the Dutch Golden Age, this poignant red chalk drawing by Adriaen Pietersz van de Venne captures a moment of profound sorrow, as suggested by its evocative title, *Lamentable!*. Van de Venne, a versatile Dutch artist known for his satirical genre scenes and moralistic allegories, often depicted the hardships of everyday life—peasants, beggars, and social inequities—with sharp wit and empathy. Dating to around 1625–1635, the work reflects the era's growing interest in realism and human emotion, amid Holland's prosperity and underlying tensions from war and economic disparity. Rendered in red chalk—a favored medium for its warm tones and subtle gradations that excel in modeling figures and conveying texture—this large sheet (374 × 306 mm) bears an original framing line, hinting at its status as a finished study or independent artwork. Red chalk's versatility allowed artists like van de Venne to achieve lifelike depth without color, bridging preparatory sketches and autonomous drawings prized by collectors. Acquired in 1905 through the Vereniging Rembrandt after passing through the esteemed Antwerp collection of René Jacques della Faille de Waerloos, this piece underscores its enduring appeal. It invites visitors to ponder the universal cry of despair amid 17th-century life's trials.