Joachim Beuckelaer, studio of
A Market Scene
Oil on panel. 113 x 81 cm.
A game seller offers out a shot hare for sale on his market stall to a passerby. Poultry of all kind is laid out on a table in front of him, as well as bread, in baskets at his feet and on the table.
This market piece from the workshop of Joachim Beuckelaer is impressive in size, in its suggestive imagery and the depiction of the poultry and game. The scene is depicted from above so that the wares almost fall onto the viewer and appear tangible. This impression is accentuated by the gesture of the seller and the close up view of the birds to the front left edge of the frame. The depiction of the animals and birds are particularly impressive for the precise rendering of the feathers and fur.
The tradition of the market piece was founded in the 16th century by Pieter Aertsen and continued by Joachim Beuckelaer once Aertsen left for Amsterdam. This work is part of this tradition of the Flemish market scene and is certainly a produce of the Beuckelaer workshop, whose works were sought after in the whole of Europe. The present work has been attributed in the past to Huybrecht Beuckelaer, Joachim's brother and close collaborator (compare RKD. no. 18498).
Provenance
Formerly in Gebr. Douwes, Amsterdam/London (verso label). – Auction Sotheby's , London, 3.7.1997, lot 111. – Auction Glerum, Amsterdam, 13.11.2005, lot 3. – Auction Christie's, London, 12.9.2009, lot 150 – European private collection.