Vier boeren 1606 - 1656

"Vier boeren" is a pen and ink drawing by Dutch Golden Age painter Jan van Goyen, depicting four peasant figures. The artwork was created between 1606 and 1656, the year of the artist’s death. The drawing is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The drawing shows the artist's interest in capturing the movement and postures of everyday people, a hallmark of his work. This quick sketch, or "study," exemplifies van Goyen's skill in capturing the essence of human form with a few lines. The informal composition and the relaxed stances of the subjects suggest a casual observation of daily life.