The Bird-Nester, David Vinckboons, c. 1604 - c. 1606
brush, h 141mm × w 184mm More details
A lad steals eggs from a nest. Two peasants watch him closely, so intently in fact that they are oblivious to the boy cutting one of their purses. The depiction may have an erotic significance: whoever stands by idly, will not go far in love. The fish trap in the water could also refer to courtship and marriage.
