21. Cornelis Massys
(ca. 1508-1580)

Two Crippled Musicians

(click on image to print)
Massys: Two Crippled Musicians

Two Crippled Musicians

Engraving, 57 x 43 mm., Hollstein 38 i/ii from Dances of Crippled Beggars. The two are shown standing, full length, one playing a hurdy-gurdy, the other the cliquet or clappers. Massys, whose prints are invariably rare, is one of a number of Netherlandish artists whose miniature prints parallel the German "Little Master" tradition. A very good impression of the first state (it is questionable whether these prints ever come brilliant) on laid paper with thread margins most of the way around.