The Ringball-player, Rembrandt van Rijn, 1654
etching, h 95mm × w 143mm More details
The man pushing a ball along is playing ringball. In this game, a ball must be driven through a ring at the end of an alley. In the 17th century it was a popular amusement, and alleys were often located near alehouses and inns. The remaining figures are thus doubtless tavern customers, whom Rembrandt drew exceptionally freely in the etching ground.
