Brawling Beggars (Al-Arm) - Attr. Adriaen Pietersz. van de Venne

Brawling Beggars (Al-Arm)

Oil on panel

Dimensions: 35 x 29 cm, 43 x 43 cm (framed)

THE ARTWORK
In this specific painting by Adriaen van de Venne, we see a chaotic scene where beggars are attacking a woman, seemingly stealing her walking stick. Above the scene is the inscription "AL-ARM", which holds a double meaning in Dutch. On one hand, it can be read as a cry for help, an alarm in response to the violent theft and struggle. On the other hand, "al arm" translates to "already poor", suggesting the woman’s impoverished state before the attack even occurred. This dual meaning adds depth to the scene, highlighting not only the physical violence but also the ongoing desperation of poverty, a recurring theme in Van de Venne’s work. The inscription encapsulates both the woman’s vulnerability and her urgent need for aid, creating a powerful symbol of social criticism.

THE ARTIST
Adriaen Pietersz van de Venne (1589 – 12 November 1662) was a versatile Dutch Golden Age painter known for his allegories, genre scenes, and portraits. He also worked as a miniaturist, book illustrator, designer of political satires, and poet. In 1614, he moved to Middelburg, where he was influenced by Jan Brueghel the Elder and Pieter Brueghel the Elder. One of his famous political paintings, Fishing for Souls (1614), offers a satirical commentary on the religious and political conflicts of the Eighty Years’ War, which divided the Northern and Southern Netherlands along the Schelde River, near his home in Middelburg. This painting was created during the Twelve Years' Truce (1609-1621). The influence of Jan Brueghel the Elder is especially noticeable in this allegory, which critiques religious fanaticism.
From 1620 until his death, Van de Venne produced many grisailles and engravings, focusing on genre subjects and illustrating proverbs and sayings, mostly inspired by the work of Jacob Cats. His depictions of peasants, beggars, thieves, and fools, used as moral lessons, gained him considerable fame during his lifetime and continued to be popular throughout the 18th century.