Old Woman and Boy with Candles

Unknown Artist, Follower of Godfried Schalcken

Old Woman and Boy with Candles

oil on wood panel
painted in the 1800s
panel 28.5 x 23.5 cm
frame 40 x 33.5 cm

Condition:
Good condition, newly restored by our professional art conservator in Stockholm. Please contact us for a more in-depth CR.


Essay:
In this painting titled "Old Woman and Boy with Candles" an intriguing scene unfolds before our eyes. An older woman gazes ahead, her eyes shielded from the flickering candlelight, while a young boy stands behind her, holding his own candle, ready to ignite its flame. This artwork's play of light and darkness harks back to the technique employed by the renowned artist Rubens (Mauritshuis, inv.no. 1150), who drew inspiration from Caravaggio's mastery of capturing light and shadow. Notably, this motif has been replicated by other artists such as Godfried Schalcken and Johann Georg Trautmann. Although the artist of our painting remains unknown, it bears a striking resemblance to Godfried Schalcken's interpretation of Rubens' original composition (National Museum in Warsaw, MNW). Several well-known copies of Schalcken's version of the painting exist, each capturing the essence of the scene in their unique way.

The painting "Old Woman and Boy with Candles" exudes a sense of quiet anticipation and serenity. The central figures, the older woman and the young boy create a powerful contrast between youth and age, while their candles symbolize the transient nature of life and the hope they bring. The woman's contemplative expression hints at a hidden story, inviting viewers to imagine the thoughts and emotions that lie within her mind. The careful positioning of the candles and the interplay of light and shadow add depth and atmosphere to the composition, immersing the viewer in the scene.

The artist's skilful use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes the stark contrast between light and dark, enhances the dramatic effect of the painting. The soft glow of the candlelight illuminates the woman's weathered features, casting a gentle radiance upon her face. The warm and cool tones further enrich the visual experience, evoking a sense of harmony and balance.