Who painted Peasant with a glass jug?

Peasant with a glass jug was painted by Unknown in 1850.

Where can I see Peasant with a glass jug?

Peasant with a glass jug is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Peasant with a glass jug

Peasant with a glass jug is an oil painting by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Peasant with a glass jug is an oil painting depicting a grinning peasant wearing a brown hat and red jacket, gesturing with an empty glass jug in his right hand.

Subject & Meaning

The subject represents 'Taste,' one of the five senses personified by peasants in a series originally designed by Petrus Staverenus. Notably, 'Taste' is the missing element from the known engravings by Abraham Blooteling, suggesting this painting may have been adapted from another source to complete the set.

Technique & Style

The work exhibits a distinct colour palette and less refined execution compared to a similar attributed panel by Staverenus. The use of chiaroscuro is notable, emphasizing the peasant's expressive pose and facial expression.

History & Provenance

Inspired by 17th-century mezzotint engravings (ca. 1670-1690) by Abraham Blooteling after Staverenus' designs. Part of a series where 'Hearing' is depicted in its pendant (309-1864), with other senses represented in engravings by Blooteling, Pieter Schenck, and Jan Verkolje.

Context

Created in a context where personifying the senses through everyday figures was popular, as evidenced by multiple artists and printmakers engaging with the theme across the 17th century.

Legacy

Contributes to the broader artistic exploration of the senses in 17th-century Dutch art, with its adaptation and representation of 'Taste' filling a gap in the original engraving series.