Allemode School
Pieter Breugel (1525-1569) (after) engraving. Engraved by Pieter de Ballieu (1613-60). Reference: (Hollstein 91a, Basteler 91, each with reference to Ballieu). Second state of two, with the address of Bunel. [With the title, name of Ballieu, Breugel, Bunel in the plate.] In good condition, with small margins all around, some (repaired) tears in outer part of margins, conservation matted. 14 x 18 3/4, the sheet 15 1/2 x 22 inches.
A very good strong impression; this print is rarely encountered in today’s Old Master print market. We know of only two impressions to appear on the market in the past decade.
Pieter de Ballieu was a Dutch engraver, working out of Antwerp (Antwerp is listed on the print as the city of publication.)
There has been some contention among authorities as to the identity of the artist who painted the subject of this engraving. The engraving itself notes that this is after Breugel, and Hollstein appears to concur, in his section on Ballieu. But according to Bastelaer, this subject was after a painting by Pieter van der Borcht (1543-1608).
As to the subject matter of the engraving, it apparently was characteristic of the Flemish and Dutch in the 16th C. to regard the yokel as a figure of fun.