Egbert van HEEMSKERCK (1634–1704), tavern scene

Oil on canvas mounted on panel
Dimensions: 27 x 36 cm
Appraisal: Turquin Firm

A charming 17th-century Dutch genre scene depicting a group of peasants and drinkers gathered in a dimly lit interior around a card game and pipes.
In a smoky atmosphere lit by the embers of the hearth, the figures are captured with remarkable liveliness of expression: knowing glances, laughter, spontaneous gestures, and down-to-earth demeanors convey all the narrative verve characteristic of Dutch genre painting. The work is firmly rooted in the tradition of tavern scenes developed in the United Provinces during the 17th century, following in the footsteps of Adriaen Brouwer and Adriaen van Ostade. `

Egbert van Heemskerck specialized precisely in these lively tavern and working-class interior compositions, prized for their picturesque and moralistic character. His works enjoyed great success in England, where he settled in the 1670s.
The composition displays a fine mastery of chiaroscuro: the warm light emanating from the hearth and the lit pipes subtly models the faces and accentuates the intimate atmosphere of the scene. The treatment of the figures—expressive and caricatured—is characteristic of the painter.
The reverse of the work bears several old inscriptions as well as a handwritten label from the early 20th century attributing it to “Sébastien Heemskerck,” an interesting testament to its provenance.

Canvas formerly mounted on panel. Signed on the back
Very fine late 17th-century frame sold separately for €900

Works by Egbert van Heemskerck are currently held in several prestigious public collections, notably:
• the Rijksmuseum,
• the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent
• the Dulwich Picture Gallery,
• the Philadelphia Museum of Art,
• the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
• the National Trust.


Comparable items at public auctions

Egbert I VAN HEEMSKERCK (1634/35–1704)
The Testament
Lot No. 1216 Painting Oil on panel 37.5 x 60.5 cm
Hammer price: 3,000 €Price including fees: 3,780 €Estimate: 4,000 € - 6,000 €
Old Masters and 19th Century, Part II November 22, 2025
Lempertz Cologne, Germany
DetailsProvenance: Art dealer, Vienna. - Weinmüller, Munich, December 7–8, 1960, lot 501, plate 80. - Private collection, Southern Germany.
Reproduced on page 12 of the catalog

Egbert I VAN HEEMSKERCK (1634/35–1704)
Tavern with Card Players
Lot No. 144 Painting, oil on panel, 17.5 x 23.5 cm
Price including fees: €4,318 - Estimate: €3,000 - €5,000
Paintings and drawings from the 14th to the 19th century with a selection of sculptures and frames
April 27, 2023 Bertolami Fine Arts srl Rome RM, Italy
Details: Signed “Hk” Provenance: Galleria Caretto, Turin; private collection, Rome, since 1990
Reproduced on page 47 of the catalog

Egbert I VAN HEEMSKERCK (1634/35–1704)
The Peasants Feasting
Lot No. 141 Painting Oil on panel 33.7 x 46.4 cm
Hammer price: 3,438 € ($4,000) Price including fees: 4,332 € ($5,040) Estimate: €3,438 – €5,157 ($4,000 – $6,000)
Master Paintings and Drawings October 15, 2021 – October 22, 2021 Online Only Sotheby’s United States