Who painted The Chestnut Seller?

The Chestnut Seller was painted by Auguste Brouet in 1922.

Where can I see The Chestnut Seller?

The Chestnut Seller is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Can I buy a print of The Chestnut Seller?

Museum-quality prints of The Chestnut Seller are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Chestnut Seller

Auguste Brouet , 1922

The Chestnut Seller is a print by Auguste Brouet. It dates from 1922 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

The artist focused on her hands and the chestnuts, making them stand out with quick, bold strokes.

This sketch shows a woman sitting on a low stool, wrapped in a shawl. She’s selling chestnuts from a basket on her lap, with a pot and a hat nearby. The lines are loose and scratchy, giving a rough, hurried feel—like the artist worked fast.

The artist focused on her hands and the chestnuts, making them stand out with quick, bold strokes. The background is dark and busy, so your eyes stay on her.

Next, check out Auguste Brouet (French, 1872–1941) for more of his work.

Overview

Created in 1922, *The Chestnut Seller* is a print by French artist Auguste Brouet, presently in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The composition captures a street vendor at rest, rendered in a compact format that emphasizes the immediacy of everyday life.

Subject & Meaning

The image depicts a woman seated on a low stool, swathed in a shawl, with a basket of chestnuts balanced on her lap. A pot and a hat lie nearby, suggesting a brief pause in her trade. The focus on her hands and the chestnuts highlights the labor and modest commerce of urban workers.

Technique & Style

Brouet employs loose, scratchy lines that convey a sense of rapid execution. Bold, decisive strokes delineate the figure’s hands and the nuts, while the surrounding space recedes into a darker, more congested backdrop. This contrast directs the viewer’s attention to the central activity and reinforces the sketch‑like quality of the work.

History & Provenance

The print was produced shortly after World War I, a period when Brouet often turned to scenes of ordinary people. It entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings through acquisition in the mid‑20th century, where it remains part of the museum’s representation of early 20th‑century French printmaking.