Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne

Von Parpart;
Anonymous sale, Berlin, Lepke, March 1912 (both the above according to fiches at the Witt Library);
In the family of the present owner since at least the 1960s.

L.J. Bol,  'Een Middelburgse Brueghel-groep. VIII. Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne, schilder en teyckenaer. B. Haagse periode 1625-1662', in Oud Holland 73, 1958, p.140, reproduced p. 138, fig. 20;
A. Plokker, Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne (1589-1662): de grisailles met spreukbanden, Leuven/Amersfoort 1984, p. 151. 

The actual painting is warmer and more subdued in tone than the catalogue illustration suggests. The panel consists of 2 planks joined horizontally and is bevelled along the edges to the reverse. The split of the join is slightly visible to the front. The join is reinforced to the reverse with a strip of wood. The paint layer seems to be in good condition. A few small retouched paint losses are visible in the upper background, and some retouchings can be observed along the join. The under drawing is nicely visible. The paint surface is under a dirty varnish layer. Inspection under UV light is impeded by the dirty varnish. Offered in a plain black wood frame with a gilt fillet.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

This grisaille portrays the life of peasants and beggars in a caricatural way. It is one of many grisailles made by Van de Venne, often accompanied with a strong moral or political message. The motto 'Jammerlijck' in this context means 'pathetic', giving notion to the fact that with those who have nothing, violence is inevitable. A similar grisaille by the artist, with the same motto and dated 1631, is in the Amsterdam Historisch Museum, Amsterdam (inv. no. SA 7423).

We are grateful to Edwin Buijsen, Head of collections, Mauritshuis, The Hague, for his help in cataloguing this lot.