Mendiants des Flandres.

Copperplate, 13,1 x 10,3 cm (plate), monogrammed in top left corner, titled in top margin, signature partly erased in lower right margin, mentioning "B. Maire planeur à Paris" on verso (min. scratches on surface).

Original etching plate depicting a Flemish beggar family out of a larger series. Van de Kerkhove (Tielt 1822-1881 Schaarbeek) was a Flemish painter, father of Frédéric Van de Kerkhove ("L'Enfant de Bruges", 1863-1873). Although Jan himself was a creditable painter, he is best known for publishing the works of his deceased son. The etchings in this publication were disputed being by Frédéric, some proposed that the father made them.
Ref. Rijksmuseum, inv. RP-P-1911-5462.