From The Workshop Of Jan Thomas Van Kessel (antwerp, 1677–1741), Tavern Scene With Smokers

Workshop of Jan Thomas van Kessel (Antwerp, 1677–1741)

Tavern Scene with Smokers

Oil on panel, 30 x 20 cm

With frame, 36 x 26 cm

The Flemish painter Jan Thomas van Kessel, born in Antwerp in 1677, was primarily known for his genre scenes, for his rural festivals, and for his depiction of lively tavern atmospheres, in which drunken villagers often come into conflict or joyfully and uninhibitedly indulge in earthly pleasures. Born into a family of artists—the Van Kessels, who were related by marriage to the famous Bruegels—he learned the basics of painting from his father, Thomas. His training then continued under the still-life painter Ykens: just like his teacher, Van Kessel is recorded as a member of the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp in 1692. Following the death of his esteemed master Ykens, Van Kessel continued his career independently, joining forces with his beloved cousin Ferdinand—who was working on commission for the powerful William III of Orange—to establish his own thriving workshop, where several prominent figures of the next generation were trained.

Although the painter served his apprenticeship with Ykens, it was Teniers who had a decisive influence on his artistic work. In fact, he drew upon the famous Flemish artist for both his subjects and the extreme lenticular style that characterizes the rendering of his genre scenes.

Genre painting has always been considered a minor genre compared to history painting and religious painting. Scenes of daily life, however, are an invaluable historical record that allows us to fully understand the customs of people from all social classes during a specific historical period. Among the most frequently depicted genre scenes in 17th-century Flemish painting are those set inside taverns, places of gathering and recreation for both the merchant bourgeoisie and the working classes. It is usually the bourgeoisie who commission this type of painting, which is often characterized by its small format. These images depict the everyday life of taverns in its most authentic form.

In this small painting, created in the busy workshop of van Kessel, three tavern patrons sit at a table smoking pipes: the atmosphere in the tavern is smoky; this represents a departure from the style of the master Teniers; the canonical lenticular technique typical of the Flemish tradition is replaced by loose, rapid brushstrokes, perfectly capable of capturing the atmosphere of the setting. Another detail in the painting that differs from Teniers’ work is the rendering of the barrels, which are more squat and boxy in shape.