It’s hard not to love these little Dutch so-called “niche paintings” (an interior seen through a window).
This particular little painting is one of Gerrit Dou’s masterpieces at the NG.
He was a student in Rembrandt’s studio and obviously perfected his skills there (esp. chiaroscuro).
It’s a wonderful idealised snapshot of everyday Dutch life from centuries ago. A young lady at the entrance of a poulterer’s shop, negotiating with the shopkeeper. The lady gestures towards a hare being held up, as duck and other game birds sit on the windowsill.
Incredible skill in depicting textures and the way light falls on different surfaces.
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Leader of the fijnschilder movement, Dou captures different textures with meticulous detail and precision. Such as the softness of the birds’ feathers, the smooth, cold stone of the window, peacock’s beautiful fibrous feathers fibers.
Also, why did Dou depict children playing with a goat as a carved decorative detail on the stone’s bas-relief? Why include that detail - narrative? symbolism? Perhaps a commentary on the relationship between humans and animals? Perhaps the usual erotic subtext of the Dutch paintings?
That's an interesting painting.
ReplyDelete👍yep. Thanks Mary.
DeleteDou’s inclusion of the children and goat in the bas-relief likely serves as a subtle allegory
ReplyDeleteYeh, I think so too. Always a 2nd layer.
DeleteThanks for commenting roe.
I have not used the term niche paintings myself but Dou looked through a window very cleverly. No big military or religious scenes.. just The Dutch Housewife or The Poulterer's shop in detail
ReplyDeletecharming, isn't it.
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