Woman Selling Fruit by a Cottage 1645

"Woman Selling Fruit by a Cottage" (1645) by Isaac van Ostade (1621-1649) is a quintessential example of Dutch Genre painting. The scene depicts a bustling market in front of a rustic cottage, with a woman selling fruit to several customers. The painting's warm, realistic palette and detailed depiction of everyday life captures the essence of 17th-century Dutch society. The composition is balanced, drawing the eye to the central figure of the fruit seller, with the surrounding figures and architecture forming a harmonious whole. The artwork's meticulous brushwork and subtle use of light create a sense of depth and atmosphere, immersing the viewer in the scene's everyday drama.