2693 - Jan Miense of Molena

Jan Miense of Molena 1609/10 Haarlem 1668 A Cheerful Gathering in a Tavern Oil on oak Framed 47.5 × 61.5 cm Jules Porgès Collection, Paris, before 1926; Paul Cassirer, auction “17th-Century Dutch Masters from the Jules Porgès Collection,” Berlin, December 7, 1926, Lot 95; Galerie Kitzinger, Lucerne, 1944; Acquired by inheritance into a private collection, Switzerland; Koller Auctions, October 1, 2021, Lot 3023; Private collection, Switzerland This painting is registered with the RKD in The Hague as an authentic work by Jan Miense Molenaer. Jan Miense Molenaer is considered one of the most important Dutch genre painters of the 17th century. The artist, who worked in Haarlem, focused primarily on everyday life among the peasantry and the middle class. His lively tavern scenes are characterized by humorous observation, distinctive figures, and a pronounced delight in storytelling. The painting conveys a vivid picture of Dutch tavern culture during the Golden Age. The painting depicts a boisterous gathering in a rustic tavern. The guests sit in front of a warming fire, making music, singing, and drinking. In the center sits a woman in a white apron, gesturing animatedly as she takes part in the festivities, while her companion, with his head tilted slightly back, is engrossed in the music and the cheerful commotion. A violinist and a flutist provide entertainment, while others gather cheerfully around a long table set with a white tablecloth. Barrels, pitchers, mugs, glass bottles, baskets, and basins underscore the everyday character of the interior. The few highlights of light on faces, vessels, and textiles stand out against the dark room and lend the narrative scene a warm, almost theatrical atmosphere. Such scenes enjoyed great popularity because they depict the convivial life of ordinary people and combine realistic observations with humorous, and at times morally interpretable, allusions. Molenaer, who was married to the painter Judith Leyster, follows in the tradition of Haarlem genre painting, particularly the peasant interiors of Adriaen van Ostade. Auction Date: November 28, 2026 Approximate Auction Time: 9:50 a.m. CET