Adriaen van Ostade - engraver - The Pigkillers
At first glance, this small night scene brings to mind the mysterious atmosphere of Nativity scenes. However, what we see here is a glimpse of peasant life: a family is gathered around a pig ready to be slaughtered, which was a common - and no doubt joyful - annual event. The chiaroscuro concept of this composition, which Van Ostade produced in many versions, was clearly modelled on Rembrandt’s prints.
date:
measurements: height 117 mm
width 118 mm
in collections:
material: paper
technique: etching (state VIII)
inscription:
inventory number: R 59976
gallery collection: Collection of Prints and Drawings

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