Engraving. 10.7 x 7.7 cm
Bartsch 86; Meder 87/a (of d); Schoch-Mende-Scherbaum 15
Watermark: bull’s head (part)



Magnificent early impression, prior to the vertical scratch to the right of the head of the middle peasant.

With tiny margins beyond the platemark. Apart from a few pale foxing marks and residues of old hinges, in excellent condition.

This engraving has given rise to conflicting interpretations. The group of three contrasting men has been regarded as an allegory of the social classes, and their conversation interpreted as a conspiratorial gathering in relation to the Peasant’s War of 1525. The evidence, however, points toward some variation of the late medieval peasant satire. (M.Haas)