oil on panel: 49,5 x 65 cm;
remnants of a monogram on the stove (l.l.)
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Notes
This is a late work by Van Helmont, who is foremostly known for his genre scenes and depictions of Flemish peasant life in the 17th Century. After working in Antwerp at the beginning of his career, the artist moved to Brussels before 1674. As stated by Jan de Maere, Van Helmont was initially influenced by the work of David Ryckaert III (1612-1661) and David Teniers the Younger (1610-1690), and towards the end of his life developed a more personal style that shows greater quality than before, as can be seen in this painting (see J. de Maere & M. Wabbes, Illustrated Dictionary of 17th Century Flemish Painters, text vol., Brussels 1994, p. 207).
It is believed that this is a self-portrait of the artist at work whilst painting one of his typical interior scenes with peasants feasting and singing songs at an Inn.
Provenance: