322 ADRIAEN VAN OSTADE SECT. an old woman, in profile to the left, sits cleaning mussels. On the floor in front of her is a large pot. To the left of her, and farther back, another peasant, holding a covered jug in his right hand, sits facing the spectator. In the left foreground are accessories a cask with a jug on it. Through a square open window in the back wall is seen another room in shadow. On the right, separated by a half-wall, is another barn-like interior. Broad in proportion to its height. Described from an etching by K. von Siegl in the Zeitsckrift ftir bildende Kunst, 1889. In the possession of the Vienna dealer H. O. Miethke in or shortly before 1889, and disposed of by him. 593. BOISTEROUS PEASANTS. In an interior. A peasant has thrown a woman down. Other men look on and laugh. The nearest man standing on the right holds a jug in his left hand. In the right foreground two figures are by the fireside. A very early picture, dating from 1630-40, and very closely related in style to the work of Isack van Ostade. Somewhat damaged. Signed on the left hand at foot ; 13^ inches by 18 inches. Sale. Merlo, Cologne, December 9, 1891, No. 132 (170 mark). 594. BOISTEROUS PEASANTS AT AN INN. In the centre foreground of a room in a village inn two old people perform a grotesque dance. The woman with a garland on her head seems to play the part of a young bride. On a bench behind them in the centre stands a bagpiper. To the right of the dancers an old woman holding a jug in her left hand is seen in lost profile, seated on a low chair. Farther to the right and left are laughing spectators. An early work, in the style of 565. Signed in full ; panel, 15 inches by 19^ inches. In the collection of O. B. Friedmann, Vienna. Sales. Amsterdam, May 16, 1877, No. 25. G. Habich, Kassel, May 9, 1892, No. 115 (1300 mark, Steinmeyer). 595. A Merry Company. In a poorly furnished room are three peasants singing to the music of a fiddler. Another man, holding a glass, looks on laughing. Panel, 12 inches by 10 inches. Sale. Brade and others, Cologne, December 17, 1897, No. 244. 596. BOISTEROUS PEASANTS AT AN INN. An old woman jests with a drunken peasant, while a man standing on the left and another seated on the right look on and laugh. Farther back are two peasants and a child. An early work. 1 6 inches by 20 inches. Sale. Berlin, March 20, 1900, No. 57. 597. AN INTERIOR WITH MERRY FIGURES. Signed in full. Sale. George Smith, London, May 8, 1901, No. 302 (31 : los.) noted by A. Bredius.
