26 - Flemish school. A follower of DAVID TENIERS II (Antwerp, 1610 – Brussels, 1690).

Flemish school. A follower of DAVID TENIERS II (Antwerp, 1610 – Brussels, 1690). “Rural Scene.” 17th century. Oil on panel. On the reverse, an old label from Charles Nixon, a framer and gilder from Birmingham, England. It shows craquelure and minor wear consistent with its age. Measurements: 41 x 30 cm; 52 x 41.5 cm (with frame). This painting follows in the tradition of 17th-century Flemish genre scenes, a genre that gained widespread popularity thanks to artists such as David Teniers II. The composition depicts a lively gathering of ordinary people in front of a rural dwelling, creating a narrative scene in which the expressiveness of the faces and the diversity of gestures and postures stand out. In the foreground, several figures appear to be participating in a festive gathering, while others observe the scene from the entrance to the house and an upper window. The striking figure on the right stands out, operating a peculiar contraption and drawing much of the attention toward her. The rustic architecture, meticulous brushwork, and predominance of ochre and earthy tones—enlivened by small splashes of color—evoke the picturesque and carefree atmosphere characteristic of Flemish genre painting. David Teniers II was one of the leading figures of Flemish Baroque painting. Specializing in scenes of daily life, folk festivals, and tavern interiors, he enjoyed a distinguished career in the service of Archduke Leopold William, governor of the Netherlands. His work is represented in institutions such as the Thyssen-Bornemisza National Museum in Madrid and the National Gallery in London.