Peasants Fighting over a Game of Cards

c.1620

Lucas Emil Vorsterman

Associated Names
Lucas Emil Vorsterman

Artist, Flemish, 1595 - 1675

Lucas Emil Vorsterman

Publisher, Flemish, 1595 - 1675

Pieter Bruegel the Elder

Artist After, Netherlandish, c. 1525/1530 - 1569

This is a drawing of a rural scene with human interaction. The scene shows individuals engaged in an interaction near a path in a village setting with thatched-roof buildings in the background. The foreground includes a fallen wooden structure, a helmet, and scattered playing cards. There is a sense of motion and emotion, hinting at conflict or drama. The area is surrounded by leafless trees, creating a chaotic atmosphere. The drawing is detailed with high contrast between the figures and the background, capturing the expressions and movements of each figure.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ruth and Jacob Kainen Memorial Acquisition Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed within the platemark): 43 × 52.4 cm (16 15/16 × 20 5/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2023.67.6

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 126

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Friedrich August II, King of Saxony [1797-1854], Dresden (Lugt 971). (Gillis/Goldman Fine Art, Brussels); purchased 2023 by NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger: no. 126

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700 (Bruegel), no. A67

Inscriptions

lower left in image: Pet. Bruegel invent.; lower center below image: Tityrus et sterili quondam Meliboes in agro... / ... Nescio quid maius Brabantica rura tulere. / EAReuter / CLARRISS.PRAESTANTISSIMOQ. VIRO, DNO IOANNI BRVGELIO, PETRI BRVEGELII SVI TEMPORIS APELLIS FILIO, PATERNAE ARTIS HAEREDI EX ASSE, HOC PATRIAE MANVS MONVMENTVM ARTIFICIOSISSIMVM L.M.Q.D.D. Lucas Vorsterman excud com privil

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