DescriptionThis scene of a man reading the news surrounded by family and friends within the sunlit confines of a weavers' cottage epitomizes the rustic scenes of peasant life for which Ostade is so well known. Linen weaving, a profession practiced only by men, became the most important and lucrative occupation in Haarlem in the seventeenth century. Ostade celebrated the economic profit brought about by this industry in this outstanding watercolor, an autonomous work of art, and one which remained famous through the eighteenth century.

Signatures, Inscriptions, and MarkingsSignature: in pen and brown ink at lower right: Av:ostade. 1673
Inscriptions: verso upper right in pencil: 13 verso lower left in pencil: 13 verso lower left in pencil 16400- [label on verso of the old backing (now removed)]: A. Van Ostade / 3. Ce dessin provenant de la collection de Ploos van / Amstel, vendu en 1800, est connu sous le nom du / "liseur de gazette". Interieur d'une maison / rustique, pres de la porte, le pere en bon paysan, / assis dans son fauteuil et entoure de sa famille, / semble lire a haute voix la gazette. Col. Van / Cranenburgh / Vente Eugene Schneider, 7 Avril 1876 / Grave par Baillie.

ProvenanceDonor: Lore Heinemann