The Monk in the Cornfield, Rembrandt van Rijn, c. 1646
etching, h 48mm × w 65mm More details
In this highly detailed etching, a monk breaks his vow of celibacy. At the edge of a cornfield, he gives in to one of his pleasures with a woman. Fortunately, the corn is so high that the reaper further back is unaware of what is going on. Rembrandt here subscribes to the then prevailing reputation of the milkmaid – judging from the pitcher – as being licentious.
