Artwork

Scene from the Play 'Lubbert Lubbertse of de geadelde boer' by M. van Breda

Scene from the Play 'Lubbert Lubbertse of de geadelde boer' by M. van Breda is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jacobus Buys. It dates from 1761 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Jacobus Buys painted this oil work in 1761, capturing a moment from the 18th‑century Dutch play “Lubbert Lubbertse of de geadelde boer.” The canvas is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and presents a nocturnal tableau illuminated by a single lantern.

Subject & Meaning

At the centre of the composition a kneeling figure in a brown coat and hat appears to be in distress, surrounded by onlookers whose 18th‑century attire conveys concern. The arrangement suggests a dramatic episode from the play, emphasizing vulnerability and communal response.

Technique & Style

Buys employs chiaroscuro, contrasting the dim, night‑time setting with the warm glow of the lantern. This stark light‑dark interplay heightens tension and draws attention to the central figure, while the loose brushwork conveys the immediacy of the scene.

History & Provenance

Created in 1761, the painting entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings as part of its Dutch art collection. Its attribution to Buys has been consistently documented in museum records, confirming its place among his known theatrical subjects.

Context

The work reflects the popularity of stage productions in the Dutch Republic during the mid‑1700s, when playwrights and visual artists often collaborated to memorialise notable performances. Buys’s choice of a night‑time setting aligns with contemporary theatrical lighting practices.

Legacy

As a visual record of a specific theatrical moment, the painting offers scholars insight into 18th‑century costume, staging, and the use of dramatic lighting both on stage and in art, illustrating the cross‑medium dialogue of the period.