Description
The painting "by lamp light" (1890) by Harriet Backer is a work that stands as an outstanding example of intimate realism that characterizes the artistic production of this Norwegian painter. In this work, Backer captures a moment of introspection and calm, transforming the soft and warm light of the lamp into an element that not only illuminates the scene, but also fills the spaces portrayed with life. In it painting, The central figure, a woman sitting in an armchair, evokes both loneliness and the fullness of the home, a recurring theme in Backer's work. The woman, dressed in a period outfit, is immersed in a book, suggesting a delight in reading, as well as, perhaps, a desire for knowledge or a search for introspection. The insistence on the representation of women alone in their domestic environments is a distinctive brand of the style of Backer, who achieves, with its subtle and careful brushstroke, grant the female figure an air of dignity and depth.
The composition of the work is organized around a clear scheme that emphasizes the light that comes from the lamp, creating a contrast to the shadows that dominate the corners of space. This use of light not only serves to illuminate the main figure, but also establishes a dialogue between light and darkness, between intimacy and loneliness. The colors are soft and melancholic, with predominance of yellow and golden tones that evoke the heat of the home and the warmth of artificial light in opposition to the coldness of daylight.
The background of the painting is characterized by a simple furniture, which instead of subtracting prominence from the central figure, complements it and suggests a cozy and daily environment. Backer manages to create an atmosphere of recollection, where the viewer can connect with the serenity of the moment.
Harriet Backer, as part of the movement of realism and symbolism in latest art of the nineteenth century, shows in this work a clear influence of impressionism, although its approach is distinctive. Often working issues related to life and the female environment, Backer invites a reflection on domestic space as a place of creation and contemplation. His work is a testimony of the daily life of the women of his time and, in turn, a recognition of the inherent value that resides in those moments of apparent loneliness.
"By lamp light" is inscribed in a broader tradition that includes other Backer contemporaries who also explored the use of light and the representation of domestic life, as is the case of the French painters of the time. Through this piece, Harriet Backer not only captures a fleeting moment, but establishes a dialogue with the spectator that invites the contemplation of intimacy at home and the beauty that can be found in simple daily life. The work not only represents a scene, but becomes a portal towards the emotions and thoughts of the individual, exuding a depth that resonates beyond its visual aspect.
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