Joachim Beuckelaer, 'The Four Elements: Earth', 1569.
London, The National Gallery.

Recent Acquisition

'The Four Elements: Earth. A Fruit and Vegetable Market with the Flight into Egypt in the Background'

1569

Joachim Beuckelaer
(active 1560 to 1574)

NG6585. Bought, 2001.

Signed and dated.

The produce is depicted with tremendous bravura: vegetables tumble from the basket held by the woman on the left, and cascade towards the viewer. Sixteen different varieties of vegetable and fruit have been identified. The tiny figures of the Holy Family can be seen crossing a bridge in the far distance on the left.

Oil on canvas
158.5 x 215 cm

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