Artwork

Peasant Couple in a Doorway

Peasant Couple in a Doorway, by Adriaen van Ostade, ink, 1652
Peasant Couple in a Doorway, by Adriaen van Ostade, ink, 1652

Peasant Couple in a Doorway is an ink print by the Baroque artist Adriaen van Ostade. It dates from 1652 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription
Inscribed:in margin at bottom left, in plate: Av Ostade; verso, lower center, in graphite by a later hand: B. 11 Dav VIII.; lower right, in graphite by a later hand: 18928/Weho; bottom center, in graphite by a later hand: B.11 / ancienne et belle epreuve / 810
Markings
Marked:none

About this work

Overview

Peasant Couple in a Doorway is an etching with drypoint on laid paper created by Adriaen van Ostade around 1652. It is a representative work of the Dutch Golden Age, exemplifying the artist's focus on everyday life.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts an elderly couple in a doorway, the man holding a hat and the woman gazing down at a small basket. The scene captures a quiet moment in the lives of rural figures, emphasizing their everyday experience.

Technique & Style

The work showcases van Ostade's skillful use of etching and drypoint. The contrast between the dark doorway and the light outside draws attention to the couple, while the drypoint technique adds fine details, such as the texture of the man's coat.

Peasant and His Wife
Peasant and His Wife, Albrecht Dürer

Artist & collection

Portrait of Adriaen van Ostade

Artist

Adriaen van Ostade

Adriaen van Ostade (baptized as Adriaen Jansz Hendricx 10 December 1610 – buried 2 May 1685) was a Dutch Golden Age painter of genre works, showing the everyday life of ordinary men and women.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Peasant Couple in a Doorway?

Peasant Couple in a Doorway was painted by Adriaen van Ostade in 1652.

Where can I see Peasant Couple in a Doorway?

Peasant Couple in a Doorway is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Peasant Couple in a Doorway?

Peasant Couple in a Doorway is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Peasant Couple in a Doorway?

Museum-quality prints of Peasant Couple in a Doorway are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.