Who painted Farmers Family?

Farmers Family was painted by Cornelis Bega in 1663.

Where can I see Farmers Family?

Farmers Family is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Farmers Family?

Farmers Family is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Farmers Family?

Museum-quality prints of Farmers Family are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Farmers Family

Cornelis Bega , 1663

Farmers Family is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Cornelis Bega. It dates from 1663 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Farmers Family, a 1663 canvas painting by Cornelis Pietersz Bega, exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age genre scene tradition, portraying everyday life in an intimate interior setting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene peasant family of three in a cluttered, dimly lit room. The mother cradles a baby, her hands protectively positioned, while the father, holding a pipe, gazes softly at the infant. Their calm, gentle expressions convey warmth and intimacy.

Technique & Style

Bega employed chiaroscuro, a hallmark of the period, to create deep contrasts between light and dark, thereby imbuing the scene with a sense of depth and volume. This technique, characteristic of his training under Adriaen van Ostade, adds to the overall sense of quiet drama.

History & Provenance

Created in 1663 by Cornelis Pietersz Bega, a Haarlem-born painter and engraver, Farmers Family is now part of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin's collection.

Context

Reflecting Bega's adherence to the genre scene tradition, the work aligns with the Dutch Golden Age's focus on mundane, intimate moments, often capturing the simplicity and dignity of peasant life.

Legacy

As a representative of 17th-century Dutch genre painting, Farmers Family contributes to the broader legacy of the Dutch Golden Age, highlighting the era's emphasis on domesticity and the everyday.