Adriaen de Gryef (Leiden 1657 - Brussels 1722)Signed 'A Gryeff f'(ecit) - in the center on the left Farmer in the courtyard with a still life of animals and fruit Oil on canvas (Dimensions (cm): 45 x 60 - In antique frame 74 x 88) Work published in the RKD archive (Netherlands Institute for Art History): https://rkd.nl/images/6309 A farmer immortalized in the courtyard of his rural house, playing a flute while leading the goats back to the farm; around him a rich still life with freshly harvested vegetables, some placed on a cart, two pheasants hanging and ready to be cooked, and several kitchen objects scattered around. The painting is signed, on a barrel in the lower left, by the well-regarded Flemish painter Adriaen De Gryeff, active as a painting merchant in Ghent and Antwerp in 1687, a member of the artists' guild in 1699, and then in Brussels, famous for this type of scenes related to the 17th-century Flemish rural countryside. The work is published in the RKD archive, along with others by the author, and comparison with them makes it easy to identify the characteristics that unite his production. In fact, many works echo our composition, although each is different. Among these: - Peasant woman with a rooster in her hand https://rkd.nl/images/19676 Imm. 1 - Courtyard with peasant woman and a cat in a still life https://rkd.nl/images/3318 Imm. 2 - Farm still life with a man smoking a pipe on the left https://rkd.nl/images/19576 Imm. 3 - A man and a woman catching a chicken in the farmyard https://rkd.nl/images/19682 Imm. 4 - Farmer's courtyard with a wheelbarrow full of vegetables, ceramics, and spoils of the hunt https://rkd.nl/images/20055 Imm. 5 - Farmyard with maid and donkey https://rkd.nl/images/19712 Imm. 6 The subject falls within De Gryeff's most typical choice, as he specialized in small-format paintings with picturesque subjects often depicting animals outdoors, often set in rural landscapes; the painter shows us here his technical mastery and his bold ease in the representation of animals, but also his skill as a still life painter. These works were habitually collected by royalty and aristocrats, who loved to decorate country houses. Even now they can be found in many illustrious collections, such as Schloss Schleissheim (Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen), the Kunstmuseum in Basel, the Musée des Beaux Arts in Marseille, and the Royal Museums of Brussels. Other good examples in museum collections are Grijef's works at the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, and the Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work sold is completed by a gilded frame that shows signs of restoration and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/