$1,700
Dutch, 19th century. Oil on canvas laid down on wood panel painting depicting figures enjoying themselves in a pastoral setting. Two musicians, one of whom is playing his horn stand in the background nestled in the trees while four couples in peasant dress dance excitedly, embrace one another, kiss, and reach for one another in slightly explicit manner. Female nurse in foregound holding sleeping baby beside a couple lying on the ground in amorous embrace. Two dogs in scene, one running around dancing figures, the other digging into picnic supplies at front right. Scene is likely a moralizing view on the effects of such loose and leisurely behavior reflected in the figure of the nurse and the dog rummaging through belongings (breaking from the traditional symbolism of dog as sign of fidelity). Apparently unsigned. Number of verso of frame, possibly from exhibition or collection "2585". Contained within an undulating carved gilt wood frame with scrolled foliate motif. Framed 43" square. Unframed 29" x 34.8".
Auctioneer:
Ahlers & Ogletree Auction Gallery
Date:
2014-03-16
