Scène uit 'Lubbert Lubbertse of de geadelde boer' door M. van Breda

About this artwork

Purchased with the support of the Commissie voor Fotoverkoop

Art Historical Context

This oil-on-panel painting by Jacobus Buys captures a lively moment from the 18th-century Dutch play *Lubbert Lubbertse of de geadelde boer* (“Lubbert Lubbertse, or the Ennobled Farmer”) by M. van Breda. Created in 1761, the work translates theatrical comedy onto a modest wooden support, inviting viewers to imagine the humorous clash between rustic origins and sudden social elevation that drives the story. Buys, active in the Dutch Republic during the Enlightenment, often drew inspiration from contemporary literature and stage productions. Such narrative scenes helped bridge the worlds of theater and visual art, allowing audiences to relive favorite performances at home. The compact size—roughly the dimensions of a small cabinet door—suggests the painting was intended for intimate settings rather than grand public display. Today in the Rijksmuseum, the work offers a glimpse into 18th-century Dutch cultural life, where satire and social commentary flourished on both page and canvas. Its acquisition through the Commissie voor Fotoverkoop underscores ongoing efforts to preserve these charming intersections of literature and art for modern visitors.

About the Artist

Jacobus Buys · 1724–1801

Comment on works: Portraits; History; Genre; Vignettes