Rygeren 1640

Adriaen van Ostade's etching "Rygeren" (1640) depicts a peasant man smoking a pipe, hunched over a table in a simple setting. This print, part of his notable series of peasant genre scenes, showcases the artist's mastery of etching, creating a detailed and expressive depiction of everyday life. The work's intimate scale and focus on the subject's solitary activity, emphasizes the quietude and contemplation of rural life. Van Ostade's work is often characterized by its realistic portrayals of Dutch peasant life, capturing both the humor and pathos of their existence. This print exemplifies his ability to render the human figure with sensitivity and detail, engaging viewers with its depiction of a simple but profound moment.