David Teniers the Younger (fl)
Antwerp, 1610 – Brussels, 1690
The old man and the servant
oil on panel, cm. 28.4×34
The painting in question is an oil on panel measuring 28.4×34 cm. and the attribution to Teniers the Younger (1610-1690), one of the most famous Flemish painters of the 17th century, or in any case to a skilled artist active within his circle is considered correct. The scene depicts a rustic interior, with two central figures, an elderly man and a woman, represented in a moment of joking intimacy. The man, dressed in dark clothes that suggest a certain bourgeois decorum, approaches the woman, probably a servant, affectionately placing his hand under her chin, while the other hand is resting on her arm. The woman, dressed in a white apron and a traditional cap, shows a slight smile, in a pose of timid complicity.
The environment is rich in narrative details: on the left you can see a barrel with a crumpled sheet of paper resting on it, elements that recall everyday domestic life, while in the background you can glimpse a hearth and a hanging lantern. The composition is balanced, with a skilful use of light that highlights the faces and gestures of the protagonists, giving depth and vitality to the scene.
David Teniers the Younger is known for his depictions of genre scenes, often set in rural or middle-class contexts. These works reflect the Flemish culture of the 17th century, characterized by an interest in everyday life and the realistic representation of objects and environments. Teniers' painting is influenced by the tradition of Pieter Bruegel the Elder, but is distinguished by a more intimate and detailed approach, as well as a warm and harmonious color palette.
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