Unequal love, Meester NW, 1640
paper, h 97mm × w 62mm More details
While the older man embraces her, the woman secretly takes a coin from his purse. This theme, a caution against unequal love, was popular in the 17th century. The print was made in a stipple technique used by silversmiths. Passages of light and shadow seem to be reversed, as in a photo negative. Because of the subtle transitions between light and dark, the image looks almost three-dimensional.
