Ostade, Adriaen van [key], 1610–85, Dutch genre painter, b. Haarlem. Trained in the studio of Frans Hals, he was strongly influenced by his fellow student Adriaen Brouwer. Van Ostade created good-humored depictions of village and peasant life, in which the figures are lively in expression and action. Later, under the influence of Rembrandt, he used a warmer palette and deeper chiaroscuro (high-contrast) effects. His work after 1650 was refined, the color and light skillfully balanced. In addition to his more than 1,000 oils, van Ostade executed about 50 graphic works and supplied figures for many other artists' landscapes. He is represented in important collections throughout Europe and the United States. Among his many notable works are Peasants in an Inn (The Hague); The Drinker (Louvre); The Smoker (Antwerp); and The Old Fiddler (Metropolitan Mus.). His brother and pupil, Isaak van Ostade, 1621–49, painted at first in close imitation of his brother, but his interest in landscape led to paintings of a more pastoral character. He created many fine winter landscapes.
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