Peasants eating, by Bernhard Keil, called Monsu Bernardo (1624-1687).

Oil on canvas, 119.5cm by 152.5cm.

The painting is thought to have been purchased by John, 5th Earl of Exeter (1648-1700) whilst on the Grand Tour.

Bernhard Keil was born in Denmark, where he began his training as an artist.

From 1642, having moved to Amsterdam, he became a pupil of Rembrandt (1606-1669) for two years.

He then began working with the art dealer Hendrick Uylenburgh (1587-1661) before founding his own workshop from 1649-1651.

He subsequently travelled to Rome where he was based until his death in 1687, whilst working from time to time in Bergamo and Venice.

REFERENCE: PIC365

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