Adriaen Brouwer is believed to have painted this piece between 1632 and 1635.

Born in Antwerp in 1605, Brouwer was a unique artist in his ability to capture the emotions and lifestyle of the lower class. Brouwer’s understanding of the 17^th century peasant’s way of life was depicted in many of his works during the 1620s and 1630s. Brouwer is believed by many scholars to have a truly beautiful mind. Brouwer had the ability comprehend the behavior and lifestyles of less fortunate almost unheard of in the art world during the early 17^th century.

 

Youth Making a Face depicts a boy seated at a table drinking a beer and teasing the audience. Although the boy in the painting is dressed as a peasant with filthy clothes, Brouwer captured the boy’s teasing expression, uncovering his lively emotion. Considering the divided classes of the 17^th century, it is likely the upper class would have never seen these emotions on the face of a peasant. Brouwer created a bridge through his artwork giving the rich a view into the lives of the poor.

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By. Jacob Marshall