PETER DE BLOOT (ROTTERDAM, 1601/2 - 1658)

Property from a Private Collection

PETER DE BLOOT (ROTTERDAM, 1601/2 - 1658)
Peasants in a rural landscape
initialled 'P.D.B' (lower left)
oil on panel
31.5 x 32 cm. (12 3/8 x 12 5/8 in.)
overall framed: 39 x 40 cm. (15 3/8 x 15 3/4 in.)

De Bloot is best known for his genre scenes paintings that depict scenes from everyday life, often with a moral or humorous undertone. His works typically feature peasants, markets, taverns, and other rural or village settings, capturing the simplicity and vitality of common folk in the Dutch Republic.
In addition to genre scenes, de Bloot also painted landscapes. His landscapes often include figures engaged in various activities, adding a narrative element to the natural settings, as can be seen in the present work. These works are characterised by their detailed rendering of the countryside and a keen observation of nature.

De Bloot's style reflects the influence of earlier Dutch painters like Pieter Bruegel the Elder, known for his depictions of peasant life, and Adriaen van Ostade, a leading genre painter of the time. De Bloot’s paintings are noted for their rich colour palette, lively compositions, and attention to detail.