A Peasant calling out: 'tis vinnich hout' (B., Holl. 177; H. 114); A peasant replying: 'dats niet' (B., Holl. 178; H. 115)

Details

Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn
A Peasant calling out: 'tis vinnich hout' (B., Holl. 177; H. 114); A peasant replying: 'dats niet' (B., Holl. 178; H. 115)
the pair of etchings, 1634, very good impressions of these rare prints, with margins, B. 177 on somewhat finer paper with slightly wider margins, with a fragment of a watermark, B. 177 with a pale brown stain at the upper right, a short repaired tear at the upper edge, and minor defects on the reverse where previously mounted, both in generally good condition and matching well
B. 177: P. 114 x 44 mm., S. 127 x 57 mm.
B. 178: P. 112 x 39 mm., S. 120 x 47 mm. (2)

Provenance

C. B. Brüsaber (L. 311).

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Lot Essay

This famous pair of prints was based on compositions by Hans Sebald Beham, one of the German 'Little Masters'. The two emotions depicted - 'laughing and wailing' - are those identified by the art theoretician Karel van Mander (1548-1606) as being particularly difficult for painters to simulate. They are meant to be displayed back to back, avoiding eye contact with one another, but trying to establish it with the viewer. The complaining peasant has a hunched-up, sour-faced look, whilst the other figure stands with his hands behind his back, cheerfully impervious to the rigours of winter. Many observers believe the peasant on the left is a self-portrait.

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