Plaat, ovaal, veelkleurig beschilderd met een boer zittend binnen lambrequinrand en onderschrift: G.SACHTLEEVEN c. 1750 - 1775

This oval plate, painted with vibrant colours, depicts a peasant within an ornate border, and was likely made in the Netherlands. The inscription 'G.SACHTLEEVEN' suggests a connection to the painter Cornelis Saftleven and his circle, known for their genre scenes of peasant life. These images gained popularity in the 17th century, reflecting a growing interest in rural life and the common man. This romanticization, however, often overlooked the harsh realities of peasant existence, presenting an idealized and sometimes caricatured view. This plate, therefore, speaks to the complex relationship between social classes and artistic representation. To fully understand this piece, we must consider the economic and social structures of the time, as well as the art market and the institutions that shaped artistic production. Examining similar works and consulting historical records can shed light on the intentions of the artist and the reception of such images by different audiences.