Dutch drinker among art highlights

AN engaging 17th century Dutch painting of an argument between a drinker and landlady over a bill is one of a number of major works that has gone on display in the Capital.

The 1658 painting by Pieter de Hooch is one of 19 of the finest works from the treasure trove of the Bute Collection, one of the most renowned private collections in the country.

The collection, taken from Mount Stuart, home of the Marquess of Bute on the island of Bute in the Firth of Clyde, can be seen at the National Gallery until December.

Dr Tico Seifert, senior curator of northern European art at the gallery, put the exhibition together in collaboration with Anthony Crichton-Stuart, an art expert and brother of the current Seventh Marquess of Bute.

Dr Seifert said: “We had a look around and thought ‘what would represent the collection best, what would complement the collection here at the National Gallery?’.

“The Bute Collection is one of the richest collections of, in particular, Dutch paintings in the country.”

Other highlights include two rural landscapes by Aelbert Cuyp.