Buste van een lachende boer 1660 - 1670

"Buste van een lachende boer" is an etching by Dutch artist Adriaen van Ostade, dating back to between 1660 and 1670. This artwork, housed at the Rijksmuseum, is a portrait of a laughing peasant, showcasing Ostade's mastery in depicting everyday life and capturing authentic expressions. The detailed lines and stippling create a sense of depth and texture, characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age style. The image is a small one, measuring 72mm x 58mm, yet its impact is magnified by the focus on the peasant's jovial face and the artist's ability to convey personality with subtle details. This etching exemplifies the Dutch genre of "tronie," a portrait-like work focusing on the expression of the sitter rather than a formal likeness.