Peasant Couple Sitting under a Tree

c. 1630/1660

Willem Basse

Associated Names
Willem Basse

Artist, Dutch, 1613 or 1614 - 1672

This is a drawing of two figures sitting under a tree. The drawing features fine line work that conveys a scene of two individuals, seemingly a man and a woman, sitting beneath a large tree. The sketch is detailed with shading and cross-hatching. The individual on the left appears to be holding a bowl, while the one on the right is engaged in pouring or mixing something in a bowl. Nearby, there is a stack of sticks, adding texture to the setting. The background displays sketched elements, suggesting a landscape with trees and distant architecture. The overall composition suggests a moment of rest or casual activity in a serene, natural setting, captured with a focus on texture and form.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    etching and engraving on laid paper; laid down

  • Credit Line

    David K. E. Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed within plate mark): 8.8 x 10.7 cm (3 7/16 x 4 3/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1994.70.17

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Hollstein, no. 31


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Unidentified collector (Lugt 417); Van Hattum Collection; purchased 1989 by NGA library (transferred to permanent collection in 1994).

Associated Names

Bibliography

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

Inscriptions

by later hand, lower left to lower center verso in graphite: Basse fec / 5/47 [?]ire / Mi[?] [?]; by later hand, lower center verso in brown ink: 1614

Wikidata ID

Q75125744

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