European School 18th Century Oil - A Village Kermesse

Description

A lively and richly populated village scene in the tradition of Flemish peasant genre painting, depicting a festive gathering in a rural square. At the centre, a crowd of figures dance energetically, their brightly coloured clothing animated against the earthy tones of the landscape. To the right, villagers eat, drink, and make merry beneath the eaves of a tavern, while a bagpiper plays from a raised position in the middle ground. A church spire and distant townscape are glimpsed through the trees to the left. The composition is full of incident and observed detail, handled with the confident, busy energy characteristic of the 18th century followers of David Teniers the Younger. The figures are animated and individuated, and there is genuine pleasure in the chaos and colour of communal celebration. Presented in an ebonised and gilt frame. Unsigned. On canvas on stretchers.

Condition

The condition is typical for a picture of this age including some discolouration. Signs of wear consistent with age. There is some craquelure to the surface. Scattered flakes of paint loss across the canvas, however the surface is stable. Marks and scuffs to the frame. In good condition overall.

Size

53 x 80cm (20.9" x 31.5")
Framed Size: 65 x 91cm (25.6" x 35.8")