The Fortune Teller

Georges de La Tour

Created:
Movement:
1639
Baroque
key Notes:
Chiaroscuro, Deceptive Interaction
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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 emphasizes the contrast between light and dark, which La Tour masterfully employs to create a sense of depth and intrigue. The composition depicts a young man having his fortune read by a group of women, subtly illustrating themes of deception and human folly. Georges de La Tour, a French Baroque painter, was known for his genre scenes and religious compositions, often drawing comparisons to Caravaggio for his use of light and shadow. Despite his significant contributions to art, La Tour's work was largely forgotten after his death in 1652, only to be rediscovered in the early 20th century, leading to a reevaluation of his place in art history. Today, The Fortune Teller is celebrated for its psychological depth and technical brilliance, reflecting La Tour's unique artistic vision.

Description of the work:

The Fortune Teller by Georges de La Tour

The Fortune Teller, created in 1639 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 is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and portrays a young man having his fortune read while being surreptitiously robbed by a group of women.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Fortune Teller