Topers

Jan Pieter van Baurscheit (I)

This monumental depiction of two topers is a symbol of Gluttony. The sculpture impresses upon the public the notion that indulging in excessive drink undermines the work ethic and leads to laziness. The sculptor was probably inspired by a scene from popular theatre, where these kinds of indolent characters recurred regularly.

  • Artwork typesculpture
  • Object numberBK-2006-19
  • Dimensionsheight 78 cm x width 100 cm x depth 46 cm, weight 56 kg, weight 36 kg
  • Physical characteristicsterracotta

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Androcles and the Lion

Jan Pieter van Baurscheit (I), c. 1722 - c. 1728

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A Boy and a Satyr Girl Fighting, Allegory of Hate

attributed to workshop of Jan Pieter van Baurscheit (I), c. 1720 - c. 1730

A Boy and a Satyr Girl Fighting, Allegory of Hate

Identification

  • Title(s)

    • Topers
    • Two Drunkards, Allegory of Gluttony (‘Gula’)

  • Object type

  • Object number

    BK-2006-19

  • Description

    Beeldengroep van terracotta, in twee separaat gemodelleerde en gebakken delen. Links en rechts van een tafel, vervaardigd van een boomstronk, zitten twee boertige types, elk met een bierpul. De mannen lijken elkaar met wantrouwen te bejegenen. Op tafel liggen een mes en een worst (?).

  • Inscriptions / marks

    • monogram: ‘P.VB’
    • inscription: ‘VI’

  • Part of catalogue

Creation

  • Creation

    sculptor: Jan Pieter van Baurscheit (I), Antwerp

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Material and technique

  • Physical description

    terracotta

  • Dimensions

    • height 78 cm x width 100 cm x depth 46 cm
    • weight 56 kg
    • weight 36 kg

This work is about

  • Subject

Acquisition and rights

  • Credit line

    Purchased with the support of the Rijksmuseum Fonds

  • Acquisition

    purchase 2006

  • Copyright

    Public domain

  • Provenance

    …; from a private collection, Bruges, acquired by the dealer Paul de Grande, Snellegem Castle, Snellegem, before 2004;{Oral communication Mischo van Kollenburg to Frits Scholten, 22 October 2019.} acquired by Kollenburg Antiquairs, Oirschot, 2004; acquired by Van Nie Antiquairs, Amsterdam, 2005; acquired by the dealer Kunstzalen A. Vecht, Amsterdam, 2005; from which, €60,000, to the museum, with the support of the Rijksmuseum Fonds, 2006

Documentation

    • L. Nijkamp en E. Bijzet, 'Tentoonstelling : Low Life in the Golden Age', Rijksmuseum Kunstkrant 33 (2007), nr. 2, p. 20-23, afb..
    • Rijksmuseum Amsterdam Jaarverslag (2006), afb. p. 26.

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