A Couple in an Interior with a Fortune-Teller

"A Couple in an Interior with a Fortune-Teller" is a painting by Dutch artist Jacob Duck, created around 1632–33. The work depicts a young couple engaged in a conversation with a fortune-teller, set within an intimate interior space. The composition highlights the interplay of light and shadow, characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age. Duck is known for his genre scenes that often explore themes of intimacy and social interaction. The painting reflects the cultural fascination with fortune-telling during the 17th century. The identities of the figures in the painting are unknown, as is the specific provenance of the work prior to its current location. The painting is part of a private collection and has been exhibited in various contexts that emphasize its significance within Dutch genre painting.

"A Couple in an Interior with a Fortune-Teller," created by Jacob Duck around 1632–33, is an oil painting on wood that depicts an intimate domestic scene. The composition features a couple engaged in conversation with a fortune-teller, who is positioned prominently in the foreground. The figures are rendered with a keen attention to detail, showcasing the textures of their clothing and the play of light across their faces. The interior setting is characterized by rich, warm tones and a variety of objects that suggest a sense of wealth and comfort. The use of chiaroscuro enhances the three-dimensionality of the figures and creates a dramatic atmosphere. The fortune-teller's gestures and the couple's expressions convey a sense of intrigue and anticipation, inviting the viewer to contemplate the narrative unfolding within the scene. The overall arrangement of elements within the painting reflects a balance between realism and the theatricality typical of Dutch genre painting of the period.