Cornelis Pietersz BegaDutch, 1664The Amorous Couple
May one see it?
Not on view at present
Where is “The Amorous Couple” now? Collection: Minneapolis Institute of Art, Minneapolis. Not on view at present. Checked September 29, 2026.
Minneapolis, United States
It belongs to the collection, but is not on display at present.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the work
In his paintings and some 35 etchings, Cornelis Bega focused his somewhat jaundiced eye on peasants and low-life tavern scenes. Here, he presents us with a well-oiled couple who have settled in on some crude tavern furniture. They have enjoyed a smoke and are half way through a bottle. The man's hat is pulled down too far for us to see his eyes, but beneath his bulbous nose, a strong chin projects well past a mouth that seems to lack teeth. His left arm is draped around the ample woman's shoulder, and his right hand grasps her breast. She seems to enjoy—or at least tolerate—the attention. Perhaps she is used to such advances, for her fur cap, pearl earring, and dainty if precarious hold on her glass suggest that she is a professional.
Read on
In both quality of impression and state of preservation, this etching is a small miracle. In the 20th century it passed through a series of extraordinary collections and was repeatedly noted for its remarkable quality.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Particulars
- Accession number
- 2012.105.3
In the catalog
Sources
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Image: Minneapolis Institute of Art — public domain
