Engraved by Jonas Suyderhoef, Dutch, 1613 - 1686
After Adriaen Brouwer, Flemish, 1605/06-1638
Title: Peasants in a Tavern Smoking and Drinking
Date: c.1644-1686
Medium: Etching
Dimensions:
Sheet: 42 x 26.7 cm
Plate: 33.1 x 25.8 cm
Credit Line: Presented, Brian Lalor Print Collection, 2014
Object Number: NGI.2014.21
DescriptionAdriaen Brouwer’s characteristic ‘low life’ paintings were often set in taverns and depicted peasants drinking, smoking or gambling. Although the images appear jovial and light-hearted, they were meant to communicate the dangers of excess and vice to the viewer. Brouwer experimented with the depiction of strong emotions such as fear, anger, or pain through the contorted facial expressions of his characters.
InscriptionLower left: Tabificum frustra clamas, damnasq tabacum,/Quo fine nostrorum viveze nemo potest. [in plate], Lower right: Ingluviem vino, ventrem perdicibus expel;/Nos tubus, inq tubo nubile nata invant. [in plate], Lower centre: A. Brouwer pinxit. I. Suÿderhoef sculpsit. Ecdewaart de Bois Excudit. [in plate]