Adriaen van Ostade (Netherlands, 1610-1685) Peasant Scene, 1642 Oil on wood panel, 6 ¾ x 8 ½ inches Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Jack Linsky, 64.15 A stereotypical scene of peasants gathered inside a tavern to enjoy a drink has been dramatically transformed into chaos. A spotlight is cast down on the man standing on the ladder; he throws something down from the cabinet while others underneath pick them up from the floor. With his distinct style of exaggerating light and caricaturing his subjects, Van Ostade distinguished himself from his contemporaries like Adriaen Brouwer and Frans Hals. While genre scenes such as this are often described today as scenes of everyday life, Van Ostade crafted a stylized, comedic fiction. In addition to the overly squat proportions of their bodies, peasants in a real life brawl could hardly look this merry. (HI)
Adriaen van Ostade (Netherlands, 1610-1685) The Dance at the Inn, 1652 Etching, 10 ½ x 12 ¾ inches Gift of Ernest Erikson, 58.51 The artist created this genre scene through his talents of observation. The scene takes place in a tattered, crowded room, which was common among lowincome households. The interior of the cottage is crafted in minute detail to convey a seemingly accurate vision of a setting of this type. Hanging on the wall are the peasants’ minimal possessions such as pieces of meat, a pot, several baskets, two pieces of cloth, and a ceiling lamp. The distinct lighting casts the figures as the focal point of the etching. Engaging in merriment, they outwardly appear happy and content with their lives. (JC)