A Peasant Woman Picking Fleas off a Dog

"A Peasant Woman Picking Fleas off a Dog" is a painting by the Flemish artist Adriaen Brouwer, created around 1626–27. The work exemplifies Brouwer's interest in depicting the lives of common people, often with a focus on their daily activities and social interactions. The painting features a peasant woman engaged in the mundane task of grooming a dog, highlighting themes of domesticity and the relationship between humans and animals. Brouwer's use of earthy tones and loose brushwork contributes to the naturalistic portrayal of the scene. The artist is known for his genre scenes that often include elements of humor and social commentary. The exact provenance of this painting is not well-documented, and its current location is in a private collection. Brouwer's work has been influential in the development of genre painting in the Dutch Golden Age.

"A Peasant Woman Picking Fleas off a Dog," created by Adriaen Brouwer around 1626–27, is an oil painting on wood that captures a moment of intimate interaction between a woman and a dog. The composition is characterized by a close-up view of the figures, emphasizing their physicality and the domestic setting. The peasant woman, depicted with a weathered face and simple attire, is shown in a crouched position, focused on the task of grooming the dog. The dog, a small terrier, is rendered with a sense of realism, its fur detailed and its expression attentive. The color palette consists of earthy tones, with browns and greens dominating the scene, creating a warm and natural atmosphere. The use of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures, while the background remains indistinct, drawing attention to the central action. Brouwer's brushwork is loose yet precise, conveying both the texture of the dog’s fur and the woman’s clothing. The painting reflects themes of everyday life and the connection between humans and animals, typical of Brouwer's genre scenes.