The Backgammon Players. Dutch School From The 17th Century Circa 1650

Signed and dated on the right on the bench: Cosyn Fecit Year 1653 Oil on oak panel Presented in a very beautiful frame from the same period in carved and gilded wood, decorated with lambrequins and acanthus leaves in the corners. Total dimensions: 97 x 82 cm Our research made it possible to identify this painter, he is Aert Cosyn or Cosijp (different spellings), born in Rotterdam in 1631, died in Amsterdam in 1666. Like his contemporaries, he is specialized in genre painting which was very fashionable at that time. He paints his compositions with a lively and sure gesture; by the use of warm tones, but also by contrast, cold, slightly metallic tones. The result, his inn scenes are clear and bright! Some paintings and drawings by this artist are in the collections of the Louvre and the Albertina in Vienna. Artists refer to “genre painting” as representations of men and women at work, at play, or at rest. The Dutch of the 17th century contributed more than any other nation to making such paintings popular. The aim of genre painting is not to emphasize the identity of the characters, as in portraits, but on their occupations. The “hero” of the genre scene is anonymous. It participates in the genre of comedy and renounces the “big story”. In the genre painting, the painter depicts characters in their everyday activities. Excellent state of conservation. Sold with invoice & certificate.