Street Vendor Selling Spectacles at the Door

c. 1647

Adriaen van Ostade

Associated Names
Adriaen van Ostade

Artist, Dutch, 1610 - 1685

This is a drawing of a merchant interacting with two individuals at the entrance of a rustic dwelling. The scene shows a figure dressed in a large hat and cloak, possibly a merchant, carrying a basket filled with objects and holding up a pair of spectacles. One of the individuals, positioned in the doorway, appears to be engaging with the merchant, while another smaller figure stands nearby, possibly a child or someone of shorter stature, leaning against the doorframe. The setting is an outdoor rural environment, with a stone or brick wall of the building, thatched roofing overhead. The composition captures details such as the texture of the clothing, the wicker basket, and the lines of the wooden and masonry structures.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Thomas Philipe [c. 1740-1816], London and Edinburgh (Lugt 2451a); Walter Francis Duke of Buccleuch [1806-1884], London and Dalkeith (Lugt 402); Henry and Judith Rice Millon; gift to NGA, 1991.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. 72 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1964; vol. XV, no. 29, iii/vi.

1990

  • Godefroy, Louis. The Complete Etchings of Adriaen van Ostade. San Francisco, 1990: no. 29, iii/vi.

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Adriaen van Ostade, Paolo Giordani and Jaco Rutgers, authors). Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel: Sound & Vision Publishers, 2023: no. 6, iv/viii.

Inscriptions

in plate, within image at bottom right: Av. ostade;

Markings

Thomas Philipe (Lugt 2451a)

Wikidata ID

Q74896051

You may be interested in

Loading Results