Gunnar Hallström

Portrait of a Girl With a Pearl Earring

c. 1920

This painting features a young girl sitting on a chair in a dimly lit room, illuminated by the soft glow of an orange-tinted ceiling lamp. This painting captures the essence of the candle-light genre of art, which originated in the 17th century and was popularized by Dutch and Flemish artists. The candle-light paintings were characterized by the use of a single source of light, which was usually a candle, and were often accompanied by the inclusion of reflective surfaces such as mirrors, to create an ambiance of warmth and intimacy. Weise's painting is a beautiful example of this genre, as he uses the same technique of a single source of light to create a sense of depth and realism in the painting. The girl in the painting is dressed in a vibrant red dress and white stockings, and her expression suggests a moment of contemplation. On the table, there is a photo frame, perhaps containing a picture of someone dear to her, and its reflection is visible in the mirror in the background. The piano on the right side of the painting is in shadow, while above it is a portrait painting with a golden frame, which adds to the ambiance of the room. Karl Weise was a renowned painter known for his exceptional use of light and shadow in his paintings, which created a mesmerizing play of light that evoked a sense of depth and realism in his work. His paintings were highly appreciated during his lifetime, and they continue to be admired today for their timeless beauty and artistic merit. In conclusion, Karl Weise's painting is a beautiful example of the candle-light genre of art. The use of a single source of light creates a warm and intimate ambiance, while the shadows add depth and dimension to the painting. The young girl's expression and the inclusion of the photo frame and portrait painting add a sense of storytelling to the painting, making it a truly captivating classic artwork...

Jacob Ochtervelt (Workshop) The Grape Seller oil on canvas unframed: 80.7 x 61 cm.; 31 ¾ x 24 in. framed: 109.5 x 89 cm.; 43 1/8 x 35 in. Essay: This captivating piece, originating from the studio of the revered Dutch artist Jacob Ochtervelt, mirrors the composition of a signed and dated 1669 canvas by Ochtervelt that is presently housed in the Hermitage museum. Its subject, "The Grape Seller" immerses us in a typical 17th-century interior, replete with characters from various strata of society. At the center, a fruit vendor is depicted bending over to weigh grapes for the buyer. A child hands some of the grapes to her mother to taste, their attentive maid standing by. The backdrop showcases typical Ochtervelt details: a hint of the city visible through the doorway, light filtering in through an overhead window, and a playful dog at their side. The exquisite quality of the piece is evident in the minutiae, such as the intricate detailing of the mother's earring, which in reality spans only a few millimeters yet boasts impressive attention to detail. Initially, Sotheby's considered this work to be an autograph piece by Ochtervelt. But due to some uncertainty, it was auctioned as Workshop of Jacob Ochtervelt. On the other hand, the esteemed Cabinet Turquin in Paris leans toward attributing the piece directly to Jacob Ochtervelt himself. The painting is framed in an authentic period frame, which has been delicately restored by Stockholm's Förgyllning och Bildhuggeri. The frame retains its age-old patina and, while in used condition, has minor imperfections adding to its charm. Another interesting thing worth to mention is the painting's provenance. It was once owned by the 1st Viscount Rothermere (1868-1940), the founder of the Daily Mail and Daily Mirror...

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