The Fortune-Teller

Georges de La Tour

Created:
Movement:
1639
Baroque
key Notes:
Chiaroscuro, Deceptive Encounter
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Dimensions:
40 1/8 x 48 5/8 in. (101.9 x 123.5 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

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The Fortune-Teller by Georges de La Tour

The Fortune-Teller, painted by Georges de La Tour in 1639, is an exemplary work of Baroque art, executed in oil on canvas. This painting is renowned for its dramatic use of chiaroscuro, a technique that La Tour mastered, which emphasizes the contrast between light and shadow to create a sense of depth and volume. The composition depicts a scene of deception, where a young man is being swindled by a group of women, reflecting themes of human folly and moral lessons common in 17th-century art.

Georges de La Tour, a French Baroque painter, was known for his genre scenes and religious compositions, often characterized by their serene and contemplative nature. His work was largely forgotten after his death but was rediscovered in the early 20th century, leading to a reevaluation of his contribution to art history. The Fortune-Teller is significant not only for its artistic qualities but also for its insight into the social dynamics and cultural narratives of La Tour's time.

Description of the work:

The Fortune-Teller by Georges de La Tour

Created in 1639, "The Fortune-Teller" by Georges de La Tour is an oil on canvas painting that exemplifies the Baroque style through its dramatic use of chiaroscuro and detailed depiction of figures engaged in a scene of deception. The artwork, housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, portrays a young man being swindled by a group of fortune-tellers, highlighting themes of trickery and human folly.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Fortune-Teller