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.