Hendrik Meijer (Dutch, 1744-1793) Peasants dancing; Peasants brawling

both signed and dated '1777' l.l., watercolour and bodycolour heightened in white, (2), 21.2 x 26.1cm, mount 31.5 x 48cm, unframed, Meijer was born in Amsterdam, where he attended the Stadstekenacademie before moving to Haarlem in 1768 and becoming director of the drawing academy there. He also established a wallpaper factory in the city. In 1789, he moved to London and exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy. Meijer followed in the tradition of Dutch genre painters of the previous century, such as Jan Miense Molenaer and Egbert van Heemskerk - Haarlem artists both - who painted rumbustious peasant subjects in a similar vein. In the 18th century, however, there was a growing fashion for highly finished art on paper, often involving gouache which gave more intense colour than watercolour. These drawings would typically be kept in albums away from the light and so have retained their freshness and vibrancy, as is evidenced by this pair of examples. Condition Report, Condition Report, Both works are stuck down to the mount along the top edges. Peasants Dancing: Rubbing marks are visible along the edges, particularly to the corners. Tiny areas of paint loss are scattered across the image. Time staining is present, with some darkening of the colours, particularly noticeable in the sky. Peasants Brawling Outside an Inn: Rubbing marks are visible but less severe than on the companion work. Paint flaking is present across the sky and the upper three-quarters of the image. A noticeable layer of surface dirt and general discolouration is present, particularly evident in the sky and lighter passages, giving the work a slightly muted appearance. Areas of abrasion and paint loss are visible throughout the sky, most notably in the upper right and upper central areas, where numerous small scattered losses expose a lighter ground beneath. Request A Condition Report, Request A Condition Report

Estimate:$3,970.32

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