Artwork
Bauer mit Henne
Bauer mit Henne is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Norbert Grund. It dates from 1742 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Norbert Grund’s *Bauer mit Henne* (1742) presents a quiet rural scene in which a peasant sits on a bench, cradling a chicken. Dressed in dark garments and a hat, he rests beside a basket while a gentle landscape of trees and rolling hills unfolds behind him. The composition balances somber tones with the lighter hues of the bird and basket, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The work focuses on a simple, everyday moment, emphasizing the farmer’s contented demeanor as he holds the hen. This intimate portrayal reflects a modest, domestic happiness, suggesting a respectful view of agrarian life rather than a romanticized ideal.
Technique & Style
Grund employs chiaroscuro to model the figures, using a single light source that highlights the chicken and basket against the darker clothing and background. The delicate handling of light and shadow, characteristic of Rococo’s softer palette, adds depth while maintaining a restrained, naturalistic tone.
History & Provenance
Trained by his father, the court painter in Prague, Grund completed his apprenticeship in 1737, traveled to Vienna and Venice, and returned to his native city in 1751, where he joined the painters’ guild. The painting’s modest size and marketable subject align with his practice of producing works that could support his extended family.
Context
Created during the Rococo period, the piece reflects the era’s interest in genre scenes that depict ordinary people in calm, pastoral settings. Grund’s Bohemian background and exposure to Central European artistic centers informed his synthesis of decorative elegance with a focus on everyday realism.
Artist & collection
Artist
Norbert Grund (4 December 1717 – 17 July 1767) was a Bohemian painter who worked in the Rococo style.
