Peasant Couple Sitting under a Tree c. 1630 - 1660

Willem Basse created this print of a Peasant Couple Sitting Under a Tree sometime between 1613 and 1672, using etching. During this period in the Netherlands, the lives of peasants were often romanticized or used to convey moral messages. However, here the representation appears less didactic, portraying a quiet, intimate moment. The woman is shown with her hands resting in her lap; perhaps she is pregnant, emphasizing a theme of fertility and the cycle of life. The man, possibly her husband, pours a drink, suggesting rest and sustenance. The print invites us to reflect on the labouring classes during the 17th century. It’s a window into the everyday lives of ordinary people, offering a counterpoint to the grand narratives of the era. Basse captures a sense of the shared humanity that transcends social boundaries, inviting us to contemplate the simple dignity of rest and companionship amidst life's toil.