MARK OF JOHN SEPTIMUS BERESFORD, LONDON, 1890

Peasants singing, drinking, laughing and relaxing are the subjects of the chased scenes on this ice-bucket. Works by Adriaen van Ostade (1610-1685) and his student Cornelis Pietersz Bega (1631-1664) depict scenes of everyday life. Genre paintings were popular among the new wealthy Dutch middle-class, giving a view into peasant life. The works are often satirical and allegorical of popular adages. The style of painting varies greatly from sensitive renderings of quiet moments to the more light-hearted raucous tavern scenes and cheerful village fairs.