Artwork
Peasant Lighting his Pipe
Peasant Lighting his Pipe is a print by the Baroque artist Cornelis Pietersz Bega. It dates from 1642 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Peasant Lighting his Pipe, created in 1642 by Dutch Golden Age artist Cornelis Pietersz Bega, is a characteristic genre scene depicting a solitary figure in a humble interior setting.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays an aged peasant intently lighting his pipe, emphasizing everyday life's quiet moments. His simple, worn attire and absorbed expression underscore the ordinary, unromanticized nature of the subject.
Technique & Style
Bega employed chiaroscuro to create depth and contrast, focusing attention on the peasant's face and the flame. This stylistic choice adds a sense of intimacy and highlights the subject's contemplative state.
History & Provenance
Born into an artistic family, Bega's work was influenced by his teacher Adriaen van Ostade. The piece is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis Pietersz Bega, or Cornelis Pietersz Begijn (1631/32 – 27 August 1664) was a Dutch Golden Age painter and engraver.
Sitting Man with His Hat in His Right Hand
The Smoker
The Drinker
A Woman Smoking
Beggar (Le mendiant)
Oriental with a Fur Hat, Looking Left
The Seated Peasant and His Wife
The Beggars: Beggar Sitting Down and Eating
Beggar with Hat in Hand (Mendiant avec son chapeau a la main)
The Peddler
The Card Player
Caprices: Seated Beggar