Jacob Adriaensz Backer

Shepherd with Flute (Self-Portrait?)

Jacob Adriaensz Backer
Shepherd with Flute (Self-Portrait?)

c. 1637 Zu sehen in Prince William V Gallery

This is a ‘tronie’, or a study of a certain type or character – in this case a shepherd. The man is wrapped in sheepskin and wears a wreath of ivy leaves on his head. He seems to pause his flute playing in order to look at us over his shoulder.

Backer himself may have been the model for the shepherd. He painted very rapidly and let the ochre base show through in places, like in the grey background, for example.

Technische Daten

Jacob Adriaensz Backer
Shepherd with Flute (Self-Portrait?)

c. 1637 Zu sehen in Prince William V Gallery

Kommende Veranstaltungen

Details

Allgemeine Informationen
Künstler Jacob Adriaensz Backer (Harlingen 1608 - 1651 Amsterdam)
Titel Shepherd with Flute (Self-Portrait?)
Datum c. 1637
Objektname painting
Inventarnummer 1057
Zu sehen in Prince William V Gallery
Material und technische Daten
Technik oil
Material panel
Maße 52.2 x 40.8 cm
Inschriften
Signed lower left: JAB.
in ligature

Ursprung

Count Otto Thott, Gaunoe (Gavnø) Castle, Denmark, before 1785; his nephew, Holger Reedtz-Thott, 1785-1797, Gaunoe Castle; his son, baron Otto Reedtz-Thott til Gaunoe, 1797-1862; his son, baron Kjeld Thor Tage Otto Reedtz-Thott til Gaunoe, 1862-1923; his son, baron Otto Reedtz-Thott til Gaunoe, 1923-1927; baron Axel Reedtz-Thott til Gaunoe, 1927-1973; his sale London (Christie's), 2 Juli 1976, no. 4 (5.000 pounds); Robert Noortman Gallery, London and Maastricht, 1976-1977; purchased, 1977