Who painted Merry Company by a Fountain?

Merry Company by a Fountain was painted by Unknown in 1750.

Where can I see Merry Company by a Fountain?

Merry Company by a Fountain is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Merry Company by a Fountain

Merry Company by a Fountain is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created around 1750 by the artist catalogued as 30709_person, this image depicts a bustling outdoor gathering centered on a fountain.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1750 by the artist catalogued as 30709_person, this image depicts a bustling outdoor gathering centered on a fountain. The composition is held in the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. Figures are arranged on stone steps and the surrounding ground, with children at play and adults engaged in conversation or posing, all rendered under a striking contrast of light and shadow.

Subject & Meaning

The scene presents a convivial assembly, suggesting a leisurely social encounter near a public water feature. The mixture of seated, standing, and reclining figures conveys a relaxed atmosphere, while the presence of children adds a note of everyday vitality. The title’s reference to a "merry company" underscores the informal, festive character of the gathering.

Technique & Style

The work employs a pronounced chiaroscuro effect, with deep shadows juxtaposed against illuminated areas that highlight faces, garments, and architectural details. This dramatic lighting enhances the three‑dimensionality of the figures and creates a visual focus on the fountain as the central element. The handling of light contributes to a sense of immediacy and depth within the outdoor setting.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the mid‑18th‑century artist identified as 30709_person, the piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its provenance prior to museum acquisition is not documented in the available records, and the work remains catalogued primarily by its descriptive title and approximate creation date.