The Pater Familias 1648

Adriaen van Ostade's etching "The Pater Familias" (1648) depicts a scene of everyday life in a humble Dutch home. The print features a man seated by the fire, a woman standing, and a child seated, possibly a young son. The cramped quarters and simple furnishings reflect the modest circumstances of the family, a theme that Ostade frequently explored in his art. The etching's detailed composition and masterful use of light and shadow create a sense of intimacy and realism. "The Pater Familias" offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary people in 17th-century Dutch society.