Lot No. 180


Circle of Pieter Brueghel II


Circle of Pieter Brueghel II - Old Master Paintings 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

damian.brenninkmeyer@dorotheum.at

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

damian.brenninkmeyer@dorotheum.at


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. charges and taxes

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