Cornelis Pietersz. Bega

Cornelis Pietersz. Bega was an artist active during the period spanning 1620 to 1642. His known output consists primarily of prints focused on genre scenes detailing everyday life and social dynamics.

Fifteen of Cornelis Pietersz. Bega’s prints are currently represented in major institutional holdings. The artist frequently depicted interior scenes and interactions among common folk, such as in Peasant Lighting his Pipe, The Young Innkeeper, and Three Peasants by a Fireplace. Further examples illustrating his focus on tavern life and courtship include Boeren spelen kaart in een herberg and A Young Man Caressing the Young Hostess.

The importance of Cornelis Pietersz. Bega prints is established by their inclusion in prominent museum collections, including the Rijksmuseum, the Cleveland Museum of Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Many of these historically significant works are now in the public domain, providing access for researchers and allowing for the creation of high-quality prints and museum-quality reproductions.