Who painted The Flirtation of a Young Innkeeper?

The Flirtation of a Young Innkeeper was painted by Cornelis Pietersz Bega in 1648.

Where can I see The Flirtation of a Young Innkeeper?

The Flirtation of a Young Innkeeper is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Flirtation of a Young Innkeeper?

The Flirtation of a Young Innkeeper is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

The Flirtation of a Young Innkeeper

Cornelis Pietersz Bega , 1648

The Flirtation of a Young Innkeeper is an ink print by the Baroque artist Cornelis Pietersz Bega. It dates from 1648 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Cornelis Pietersz Bega, a Haarlem‑born artist of the Dutch Golden Age, produced the etching *The Flirtation of a Young Innkeeper* in 1648. Known for his genre scenes, Bega captures a moment inside a modest tavern, focusing on the interaction between a young innkeeper and a patron. The work exemplifies his interest in everyday life rendered with careful narrative detail.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a woman seated behind a counter, her attention drawn to a pile of coins, while a man leans forward, holding a glass and a book. Scattered playing cards and a barrel suggest a lively, informal setting. The composition hints at a subtle negotiation or flirtation between the innkeeper and the customer, reflecting social customs of 17th‑century Dutch tavern culture.

Technique & Style

Executed in black‑and‑white etching, the image relies on crisp, incisive lines to delineate hair, facial expressions, and the cluttered interior. Bega’s handling of line creates a sense of texture and depth, typical of mid‑1600s Dutch printmaking. The precise rendering of objects and gestures underscores the artist’s skill in conveying narrative through fine detail.

History & Provenance

Bega, the son of a sculptor‑goldsmith, trained with Adriaen van Ostade before developing his own reputation for genre prints.

Bega, the son of a sculptor‑goldsmith, trained with Adriaen van Ostade before developing his own reputation for genre prints. *The Flirtation of a Young Innkeeper* was produced during the later phase of his career, when he was establishing a market for his etchings among collectors of Dutch genre art. The print has since appeared in several European collections, illustrating the continued interest in Bega’s domestic scenes.