An Old Woman peeling Pears
- Artist: David Teniers the Younger
- Date: after 1640s
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "An Old Woman peeling Pears" by David Teniers the Younger. Painted after 1640s, it's an oil on canvas work that showcases a quiet scene of everyday life.
The woman in this painting sits alone in a modest outhouse, surrounded only by her faithful greyhound and a pile of gleaming pots and pans forming the still life. The artist masterfully uses light and shadow to create a sense of intimacy and tranquility.
Interestingly, some art historians believe that this painting may not be entirely the work of Teniers himself, but rather a follower of his style, possibly even his brother Juliaen. This can be seen in the close examination of the painting's technique.
This painting is actually part of a larger series of works by Teniers that feature similar themes and motifs. You can see some of these reappearances in other paintings here at the gallery, including "An Old Peasant caresses a Kitchen Maid in a Stable".
See it in person
An Old Woman peeling Pears hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
