Annaschnitfink's Fotothing

Holland - Haarlem - Malle Babbe - Foolish Babbe
Left the painting by Frans Hals - right the bronze statue (detail)

Malle/Foolish Babbe is a historical figure. The famous artist Frans Hals made a painting of her in 1630 with an owl upon her shoulder. Malle/Foolish Babbe served as a waitress in a pub in the Haarlem Smedestraat and she possibly also rendered other services to her male customers...

The statue you see here is based upon Frans Hals' painting.
Malle/Foolish Babbe was not very impressed by Frans Hals' painting. 'An owl upon my shoulder', said she, 'I am no witch, am I?' Frans Hals is reported to have answered: 'The owl is the symbol of wisdom.'
Quote from:
Malle/Foolish Babbe's son, a dutch historical book for children from 10 until 80 by Golden Slate-pencil (Gouden Griffel) winner Frank Herzen - 1999.

Earlier in time Boudewijn de Groot (text) en Lennaert Nijgh (composer) and Rob de Nijs (singer) produced a quite successfull ballad upon Malle/Foolish Babbe in the year 1973.

Adele Bloemendaal sang the Malle Babbe ballad already in the year 1969. Her interpretation was very intense!

Photo 2