Lot 66 | Hendrik Martensz. Sorgh | Interior of a Stall

SORGH, HENDRIK MARTENSZ.
Rotterdam 1611 - 1670

Title: Interior of a Stall.
Technique: Oil on wood.
Measurement: 37,5 x 48,5cm.
Notation: Signed right on the wheelbarrow: M. Sorgh.
Frame: Framed.
Verso: On the panel an old adhesive label with indication of provenance Ed. Goldschmidt.

Literature:
K.J. Müllenmeister: Meer und Land im Licht des 17. Jahrhunderts, vol. 3, 1981, no. 423 with ill.

Provenance:
Private collection, Germany, acquired at Christie's in 1974 (here with the provenance note E. Goldsmith).

Hendrick Maertensz Rokes, called Sorgh, who is best known for his market scenes with their colourful tones, began his career with interior scenes, in which he painted gallant situations with music and card games as well as scenes of everyday peasant life. It was precisely this type of genre painting that gave Sorgh the opportunity to fully express his curiosity and interest in every little detail. Indeed, his works are peppered with many objects and animals, seemingly strung together in random disorder, but which, on the contrary, are based on a balance of composition and colour. The pigsty depicted here is considered a classic example of this. While in the background a little boy hurries to feed the hungry pigs, heads of which can be discerned in the darkness, the foreground is littered with everyday objects, animals and food. The present painting is therefore not only a well-done sample of Sorgh's great artistry but also a vivid snapshot of peasant life in 17th century Rotterdam.