Brigands Dividing the Spoils.17th century Dutch school, follower of Duyster

Oil on oak panel, horizontal format.
A group of armed men divide a rich plunder: silverware, embroidered textiles, jewelry, weapons—displayed with the precision of a still life. The atmosphere is silent, theatrical, and suspended. On the right, a striking detail: a dwarf dressed as a soldier takes part in the scene.

This composition belongs to the Dutch 17th-century tradition of military and guardroom scenes, and specifically recalls a famous model by Willem Cornelisz. Duyster (Amsterdam 1599 – 1635): Interior with Soldiers Dividing the Spoils (ca. 1625–1630), known through several variants—including the RKD example from Luton Hoo (Wernher Collection), the signed version at the William Benton Museum of Art, and works cited by Hofstede de Groot and sold in historic auctions at Christie’s (1969, Van Alen Collection) and Sotheby’s New York (1979).

The narrative unfolds with rhythmic placement of the figures, each rendered with individualized features and gestures. The variety of costumes and the meticulous depiction of rich materials—metals, textiles, woods, and weapons—reflect the precision and visual abundance typical of late 17th-century Dutch painting.

Condition
Oak panel, not cradled. Structurally sound. Aged patina, some superficial abrasions, and localized old retouching. Excellent legibility.

Dimensions
Height: 37.5 cm
Width: 63 cm

Dutch school, follower of Duyster
17th century

Willem Cornelisz. Duyster (Amsterdam, 1599 – 1635) was one of the most distinctive painters of the Dutch Golden Age. Active in Amsterdam, he specialized in guardroom scenes, military life, and depictions of soldiers dividing spoils. His silent yet psychologically charged staging, attention to gestures, and ability to create dramatic tension without overt action made him a master of a genre where glances spoke louder than weapons.