Pair of 19th Century Flemish Tavern Scene Oil Paintings on Copper

$2,300

About

Evoking the lively tavern interiors of the Dutch and Flemish Old Masters, this engaging pair of antique genre paintings captures intimate scenes of men gathered over drinks, pipes, and conversation. Crafted circa 1860, each composition is finely painted in oil on copper and presented in a substantial period giltwood frame.

The companion scenes are executed in the manner of David Teniers the Younger, whose celebrated 17th-century paintings popularized animated interiors populated by peasants, drinkers, smokers, and card players. In one work, three figures gather around a barrel and table as pipes and drink vessels enliven the composition; the second depicts another closely grouped trio seated around a small table in a shadowed tavern interior. Expressive faces, colorful period dress, earthenware jugs, barrels, and smoking pipes give both works considerable narrative charm.

Painting on copper allowed the artist to achieve a particularly smooth surface and crisp handling of small details while lending the colors a rich, luminous quality. The dark interiors are offset by saturated turquoise, red, ochre, and cream tones that draw attention to the figures.

Both paintings retain their richly molded giltwood frames with fluted borders, foliate decoration, and warm aged gold surfaces. The antique paintings are in excellent condition commensurate with age and use and make an especially appealing pair for a library, study, den, or collection of European genre paintings.

Dimensions: 14.25″ W x 16.25″ H each.

Additional information