David Teniers the younger made his fortune painting scenes of this type which were very popular with collectors who were proud of their own customs and compared themselves with the peasantry. The misfortune of the young woman on her knees is that she has lost one of her shoes, perhaps through the efforts of scrubbing another pot but probably surprised that she has not progressed as the old peasant had hoped. This painting may be a small sample of this type of life although it may also have been derived from an interpretation of Italian comedians. The peasant in this painting resembles Pantalone, a stupid old man, although the feather in his cap suggests that he is cunning enough to take advantage of any situation involving a woman.
Collection: Images
Project: 3. Rural world and urban world in the formation of the European identity., 4. Family, daily life and social inequality in Europe.
Chronology: XVII
Scope: Secondary Education, Baccalaureate, University
Resource type: Image
Format: Oil on panel (43,2 x 64.9 cm)
Source: National Gallery of London (Londres)
Language: English
Date: ca. 1650
Owner: Álvaro Romero González (Modernalia)
Identifier: NG862
Copyright: National Gallery of London (Londres)
Abstract: Teniers' work shows an old peasant looking after a young maid in a stable
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