Created:
Movement:
1653
Baroque
key Notes:
Domestic interior, Genre scene
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Dimensions:
19 x 25 1/4 in. (48.3 x 64.1 cm)
medium:
Oil on wood
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

"The Spinner," painted by Quirijn van Brekelenkam in 1653, is an oil on canvas work that exemplifies the genre of Dutch interior scenes. The painting depicts a young woman engaged in the act of spinning, a common domestic activity in the 17th century. Van Brekelenkam is known for his detailed representations of everyday life, often highlighting the role of women in domestic settings. The composition features a warm color palette and intricate textures, emphasizing the tactile quality of the materials. The work reflects the broader themes of labor and domesticity prevalent in Dutch Golden Age art. The exact provenance of "The Spinner" is not well-documented, and its current location is in a private collection. Van Brekelenkam's oeuvre is relatively small, and he is less well-known compared to his contemporaries, which adds to the intrigue surrounding his works.

Description of the work:

"The Spinner," created by Quirijn van Brekelenkam in 1653, is an oil painting on wood that depicts a young woman engaged in the act of spinning. The composition is characterized by a warm color palette, dominated by earthy tones and soft highlights that create a sense of intimacy and domesticity. The figure of the spinner is centrally positioned, her posture relaxed yet focused, as she works with a spindle and wool. The background features a simple interior, with a wooden table and a window that allows natural light to illuminate the scene. The play of light and shadow enhances the three-dimensionality of the figure and the surrounding objects. Textural details are evident in the depiction of the woman's clothing, which is rendered with careful attention to fabric folds and patterns. The overall atmosphere conveys a sense of tranquility and the quiet rhythm of daily life in the 17th century.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Spinner