Drummer was painted by Jacob de Gheyn II in 1587.

Where can I see Drummer?

Drummer is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Drummer?

Drummer is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Drummer

Jacob de Gheyn II , 1587

Drummer is a print by the Renaissance artist Jacob de Gheyn II. It dates from 1587 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Jacob de Gheyn II’s print *Drummer* dates from 1587 and is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a solitary figure moving left‑to‑right, balancing a sizeable drum in his left hand while a drumstick rests in his right. The composition includes a modest landscape with distant trees and figures, framing the central subject within a broader outdoor setting.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is dressed in a hat, long‑sleeved shirt, trousers, and a sword at his waist, attire that aligns with military or ceremonial dress of the late sixteenth century. The presence of the drum and percussion implement suggests a role in marching or ceremonial duties, indicating the print may have functioned as a visual record of a specific type of soldier or court musician.

Technique & Style

Executed as a print, the image displays fine line work and careful hatching that render the textures of fabric, metal, and foliage. De Gheyn’s handling of light and shadow through cross‑hatching creates a sense of volume, while the detailed rendering of the costume and instrument reflects the precision characteristic of Northern Renaissance printmaking.

History & Provenance

Created in 1587, *Drummer* entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection through acquisition (specific acquisition details are not recorded in the provided data). The work remains an example of de Gheyn’s output during a period when he produced numerous prints documenting military and courtly subjects for a Dutch audience.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jacob de Gheyn II

Jacob de Gheyn II was a Dutch painter and engraver, whose work shows the transition from Northern Mannerism to Dutch realism over the course of his career.