Description
Dutch artist Gerrit Dou's painting Old Woman Watering Flowers is a masterpiece that has captivated art lovers for centuries. This painting, original size 28.3 x 22.8 cm, shows an old woman watering her flowers with a water jug. But what makes this painting so interesting and special?
First of all, Gerrit Dou's artistic style is one of the most prominent features of this work. Dou was one of the 17th century masters of the Leyden School, known for his detailed and meticulous technique. In Old Woman Watering Flowers, Dou uses this technique to create a realistic and detailed image of the old woman and her garden. Every leaf, every flower, and every fold in the old woman's clothing is carefully rendered, giving the painting a sense of life and movement.
The composition of the painting is also remarkable. The old woman is located in the center of the painting, surrounded by her flowers and plants. The water pitcher in her hand is a focal point, and light from the window behind her illuminates her face and clothing. This balanced and harmonious composition is typical of the Dutch Baroque style, and makes the painting pleasing to the eye.
Color is another interesting aspect of painting. Dou uses a soft and warm color palette, with shades of brown, green and yellow. These colors create a sense of tranquility and harmony, and reinforce the feeling that we are looking at an everyday scene from life in the 17th century.
The history of the painting is also fascinating. Old Woman Watering Flowers was painted around 1650, when Dou was in his 40s. The painting was commissioned by Dou's patron, the art dealer Pieter Spiering, and remained in Spiering's collection for many years. The painting subsequently passed through several hands before being acquired by the National Gallery, London in 1954.
Finally, there are some little-known aspects of the painting that make it even more interesting. For example, some experts believe that the old woman in the painting could be Dou's mother, adding a personal touch to the work. Additionally, the painting has been the subject of numerous copies and forgeries over the years, proving its popularity and importance in art history.
In summary, Old Woman Watering Flowers by Gerrit Dou is a fascinating and beautiful painting that combines a detailed and meticulous artistic style with a balanced and harmonious composition. Its soft, warm color palette and interesting history make it a unique and valuable work of art.