Portrait of Susanna Catharina Van Der Spelt-Pels and her Daughter

The painting Portrait of Susanna Catharina van der Spelt-Pels and her Daughter by Arnold Boonen is an impressive work showing an intimate and moving scene of a mother and her daughter. The composition of the painting is very interesting, as the mother and daughter are sitting in a room with an open window behind them, allowing natural light to enter and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Boonen's art style is highly realistic and detailed, making the painting look like a photograph rather than a piece of art. The colors used in the painting are soft and warm, reflecting the loving relationship between mother and daughter.

The story behind the painting is fascinating. Susanna Catharina van der Spelt-Pels is believed to have been the wife of a wealthy merchant and the painting was commissioned to commemorate the birth of her daughter. The painting was highly valued by the family and remained in their possession for many years.

However, one of the lesser known aspects of the painting is that it was stolen during World War II and disappeared for decades. It was only in the 1980s that the painting was rediscovered at auction in Europe and returned to the family's descendants.

In short, Portrait of Susanna Catharina van der Spelt-Pels and her Daughter is an impressive work of art that stands out for its composition, art style, color, and the fascinating story behind it. It is a sample of the artist's ability to capture beauty and emotion in a simple everyday scene.