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Style of Adriaen Brouwer, 'Four Peasants in a Cellar', probably 1630s

About the work

Adriaen Brouwer worked in Antwerp from 1631. This painting used to be attributed to him, but is now believed to be by another, somewhat clumsier hand – perhaps one of his apprentices imitating his style. The picture is similar to those usually depicted by Brouwer: humorous everyday scenes of peasants drinking or, sometimes, brawling, such as Tavern Scene (also in the National Gallery’s collection).

In this example, however, the artist has set up a clear contrast between the three peasants lounging in the foreground – one asleep, one drinking, one smoking – and the vignette we can see through the open door. Here, three men are working hard, hoisting a heavy bale which is attached to a pulley suspended outside a house. The fourth peasant referred to in the title is hard to see, but appears to be a woman bent over her work in the shadows on the right.

Key facts

Full title
Four Peasants in a Cellar
Artist
Style of Adriaen Brouwer
Artist dates
1606? - 1638
Date made
probably 1630s
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
27.7 × 22 cm
Acquisition credit
Salting Bequest, 1910
Inventory number
NG2569
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Previous owners

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

Related works

Tavern Scene
Tavern Scene
Adriaen Brouwer
We are in a dingy tavern with a small gathering of drinkers and smokers squatting on low wooden stools and chairs. The focus of their attention – and ours – is the tussle going on between a man and a young woman on the left-hand side of the painting.The depiction is unusually lewd. The man, his t...
Not on display