Circle of Pieter Brueghel II
(Brussels 1564–1638 Antwerp)
A flemish proverb, possibly ‘Hij legt ‘t ei in adermans nest’,
oil on panel, tondo, diameter 18 cm, framed
We are grateful to Marten Bassens for his assistance in cataloguing the present lot.
The iconography of the work, which exudes the influence of the Brueghel artistic dynasty, is complex. The proverbs which paintings, such as the present one, alluded to, often had subtle double meanings. The hearth and crying babe to the right, as well as the fallen cap with broken eggs beside it, are highly suggestive of the familial ‘nest’. This may pertain to the saying ‘Hij legt 't ei in andermans nest’ or ‘putting his egg in another man’s nest’ and could be perceived as a moralistic warning against infidelity. On the other hand, the obvious insinuation, from the imploring mother on the right, and despondent child, along with the nest and egg symbolism, could imply that the man on the left has impregnated the woman and is making a run for it.
Specialist: Damian Brenninkmeyer
Damian Brenninkmeyer
+43 1 515 60 403
old.masters@dorotheum.com
10.11.2022 - 17:17
- Realized price: **
-
EUR 6,400.-
- Estimate:
-
EUR 8,000.- to EUR 12,000.-
- Starting bid:
-
EUR 5,000.-
Circle of Pieter Brueghel II
(Brussels 1564–1638 Antwerp)
A flemish proverb, possibly ‘Hij legt ‘t ei in adermans nest’,
oil on panel, tondo, diameter 18 cm, framed
We are grateful to Marten Bassens for his assistance in cataloguing the present lot.
The iconography of the work, which exudes the influence of the Brueghel artistic dynasty, is complex. The proverbs which paintings, such as the present one, alluded to, often had subtle double meanings. The hearth and crying babe to the right, as well as the fallen cap with broken eggs beside it, are highly suggestive of the familial ‘nest’. This may pertain to the saying ‘Hij legt 't ei in andermans nest’ or ‘putting his egg in another man’s nest’ and could be perceived as a moralistic warning against infidelity. On the other hand, the obvious insinuation, from the imploring mother on the right, and despondent child, along with the nest and egg symbolism, could imply that the man on the left has impregnated the woman and is making a run for it.
Specialist: Damian Brenninkmeyer
Damian Brenninkmeyer
+43 1 515 60 403
old.masters@dorotheum.com
|
Buyers hotline
Mon.-Fri.: 10.00am - 5.00pm
old.masters@dorotheum.at +43 1 515 60 403 |
| Auction: | Old Master Paintings II |
| Auction type: | Online auction |
| Date: | 10.11.2022 - 17:17 |
| Location: | Vienna | Palais Dorotheum |
| Exhibition: | 22.10. - 09.11.2022 |
** Purchase price incl. buyer's premium and VAT
It is not possible to turn in online buying orders anymore. The auction is in preparation or has been executed already.