W/C/G/ Pinprcik on Paper
Age: Likely 17th century
Size: 10 x 8"
Weight: 4 pounds both
Maker: Likely Dutch School
Frame/Mat Size: 11.5 x 9.75"
Frame Description: Late 19th century
Description: Both scenes depicting drinking and smoking with men in peasant dress. In scene # 1 two figures one drinks beer from a stoneware bottle while the other smokes a long stem clay pipe and holds an ash tray with embers. A half cut barrel turned upside down holds a straight sided mug. Pin prick design delineates the clothing, floor base and hat. In scene # 2 three men gather round a cloth covered table on which rest two straight sided glasses filled with spirits , while the other raises his glass in a toast. Two of the figures wear side pouches(tobacco?). Clothing and hats are formed by pin pricks. Pricking is finely done and varying sizes, paper is hand laid without watermarks and irregular parallel lines. Both are using 17th century features which include the shapes of the hats, style of clothing, barrel, pipes and glasses.Each is housed in a matching pair of late 19th century paint decorated and gilt frames with glass on both sides of the works to better reveal the pricking . Early examples of this rare art folk art form. Likely Dutch School, 17th or 18th century.
Condition: Some loss of gouache especially on floor borders, very light discoloration of paper.
History: Pin prick on paper designs are known to have been executed by the 15th century and possibly earlier as templates for stone and ivory carvings.