Brabantine village with farmer.

Drawing, pen and black ink, grey and blue wash, framing lines in black ink, 20 x 30,6 cm, laid paper, unsigned (lower and upper right corner repaired, occ. rust spots).

Stuck by all edges under passe-partout.

A farmer on the foreground with a wheelbarrow is followed by a young toddler who is reaching out for him. The scene is set in a Flemish or Brabantine village with farmhouses, and farm animals. Technically, the pen contours are amplified by blue and grey brush strokes, adding a sense of depth and vibrancy to the scene. The drawing has formally been attributed to (Jan I?) Bruegel, but this cannot be upheld by technical and stylistic comparison to drawings by known members of the Bruegel family. Most likely by a later follower (Circle of Joos de Momper?) who specialised in the popular compositions and themes as developed by Bruegel.
Prov. From an album owned by Lord Treowen, Abergavenny, Wales. Sale Llanover House 26 June 1934, lot 997, fol. 73a (sale stamp on verso).