Cornelis Pietersz Bega (1631-1664) - Antique Oil Painting on Wood - Signed - Netherlands - 17th century

Beautiful and art historically interesting antique oil painting on wood panel, considered to be a work by the Dutch artist Cornelis Bega. The painting depicts a lively genre scene with people gathered around music, dancing and socialising. Detailed figures, expressive faces and a warm colour palette characterise the composition. The artwork is executed on an old wood panel and displays a natural patina.
About the Artist
Cornelis Pietersz Bega (c. 1631-1664) was a Dutch painter and printmaker from Haarlem, active during the Dutch Golden Age.
He was a pupil of Adriaen van Ostade and became known for his expressive depictions of everyday life featuring musicians, dancing people and tavern guests.
His works are represented in international museums and art collections.
Details

• Artist: Cornelis Pietersz Bega
• Artist's lifespan: c. 1631-1664
• Country: Netherlands
• Art period: Dutch Golden Age, 17th century
• Subject: Genre scene with people, music and dancing
• Technique: Oil painting on wood
• Signature: Signed lower left in red paint "C. Bega"
• Painting dimensions: approx. 17 x 14 cm
• Overall dimensions including frame: approx. 41.5 x 29.5 cm
• Frame: Antique, richly ornamented and gilded
• Reverse: Old wooden construction with markings
• Handwritten inscription: SVEN-OLLE - FÅR EJ SÄLJAS!
• Documentation on reverse: Old typewritten artist biography in German
• Dating: Considered to be an older painting in the 17th-century.

Provenance and History
Old European private collection, probably Germany or Austria - later a private art collection in southern Sweden. On the reverse is an old handwritten ownership marking in red paint with the name "SVEN-OLLE" and the unusual inscription "FÅR EJ SÄLJAS!" ("MUST NOT BE SOLD!"). There is also an old typewritten artist biography in German, estimated to date from the 1940s-1950s, containing historical information about Cornelis Bega and his artistic career, preserved from an earlier collection.
Condition
The painting is in aged condition with natural age related changes and a preserved historical character.