Pieter Brueghel d. J., um 1564 - 1637/38 Antwerpen, Nachfolge des

Pieter Brueghel the Younger,
ca. 1564 - 1637/38 Antwerp, follower of

THE PEASANT ADVOCATE

Oil on canvas.
56 x 93 cm.
Inscribed “P.BREVGHEL 16.” lower left.

Depiction in an elongated, stage-like horizontal format. The painter gives an ironic portrayal of the social conditions of his time in ruthless criticism. Over 80 versions of this subject were recorded, approximately 20 of which were signed. This proves how popular this subject of the Peasant Advocate was, comparable in frequency of repetition only to Bird Trap. The signed paintings date between 1615 and 1622 and are almost identical in content, with only minor alterations to the documents or details of the wall decoration. According to Dr Ertz, the idea of the painting and the associated criticism of the times dates back to a French prototype from the 16th century, which means that social conditions had hardly changed. The painting on offer for sale by a follower of Pieter Brueghel the Younger.

Literature for comparison:
Dr Klaus Ertz, Pieter Brueghel der Jüngere (1564-1637/38). Die Gemälde mit kritischem Oeuvrekatalog, Lingen 1988/2000, vol. I, p. 501, cat. no. 489, including illustration of earliest known dated version.