Interior with a Young Couple

Pieter de Hooch

Created:
Movement:
1665
Baroque
key Notes:
Domestic intimacy, Dutch Golden Age interior
Share:
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
ArtHistory.GG social media icon
Dimensions:
21 5/8 x 24 3/4 in. (54.9 x 62.9 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

"Interior with a Young Couple" is a painting by Dutch artist Pieter de Hooch, created circa 1662–65. The work exemplifies de Hooch's mastery of domestic interior scenes, characterized by a focus on light, space, and the intimate interactions of figures. The composition features a young couple engaged in conversation, set within a well-appointed interior that reflects the middle-class life of 17th-century Holland. De Hooch employs a warm color palette and meticulous attention to detail, particularly in the rendering of textiles and furnishings. The use of light streaming through the window enhances the sense of depth and atmosphere. This painting is part of a broader genre that highlights domesticity and social interaction, common themes in Dutch Golden Age art. The exact provenance of the painting is not well-documented, and its current location is in a private collection. De Hooch's work is often compared to that of his contemporaries, such as Jan Vermeer, due to their shared interest in light and domestic settings.

Description of the work:

"Interior with a Young Couple" by Pieter de Hooch, created circa 1662–65, depicts a domestic scene characterized by its intimate composition and meticulous attention to detail. The painting features a young couple engaged in conversation, set within a well-furnished interior that reflects the domestic life of the Dutch Golden Age. Natural light streams through a window, illuminating the figures and enhancing the textures of the fabrics and surfaces. The use of perspective draws the viewer's eye into the depth of the room, while the arrangement of objects, such as the table and the tiled floor, creates a sense of order and harmony. The color palette is warm and inviting, with soft earth tones and subtle contrasts that contribute to the overall atmosphere of tranquility. The artist's skillful handling of light and shadow adds dimension to the figures and the surrounding space, emphasizing the realism and intimacy of the scene. The painting exemplifies de Hooch's mastery of genre scenes, capturing a moment of everyday life with both elegance and precision.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Could this content be improved?

Please let us know and we will be happy to correct it. We have put a ton of effort into collating and organizing all of this.
We may follow up with questions.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Interior with a Young Couple