.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Dr. Bernhard Schnackenburg has confirmed the attribution and dates this drawing to Ostade's late period, after 1670. It is closely related to Ostade's painting in the Collection of the Earl of Northbrook, London (fig. 1), W. Bernt, The Netherlandish Painters of the Seventeenth Century, London New York, 1970, II, no. 887, illustrated.
The present composition should also be compared to the artist's etchings of similar format such as the Peasant leaning on his Doorway, Mother with two Children and The Doll (B. 9, 14 and 16), of which the latter is dated 1679. The Spectacle Seller (B. 29), generally dated to circa 1647-52, and The wandering Musicians (B. 38) of circa 1653-60, are again comparable in size. This indicates that the present drawing could be a design for an unexecuted etching, which the tracing would confirm. A copy after this drawing was in the Duits Collection, 1950.
The present composition should also be compared to the artist's etchings of similar format such as the Peasant leaning on his Doorway, Mother with two Children and The Doll (B. 9, 14 and 16), of which the latter is dated 1679. The Spectacle Seller (B. 29), generally dated to circa 1647-52, and The wandering Musicians (B. 38) of circa 1653-60, are again comparable in size. This indicates that the present drawing could be a design for an unexecuted etching, which the tracing would confirm. A copy after this drawing was in the Duits Collection, 1950.