Peasants 1625 - 1693

Willem van de Velde I's "Peasants" is a pen and ink drawing on paper. The drawing depicts a group of seven peasants standing and sitting in a casual grouping. The artist's focus on capturing the realistic details of their clothing and expressions provides a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in 17th-century Holland. The drawing's simplicity and directness make it a powerful example of Van de Velde I's skill as a draftsman. The drawing is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York City.