Who painted Sending the Boy for Beer?

Sending the Boy for Beer was painted by Unknown in 1650.

Where can I see Sending the Boy for Beer?

Sending the Boy for Beer is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Sending the Boy for Beer

Sending the Boy for Beer is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1650 by the artist identified as 30789_person, "Sending the Boy for Beer" is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The image captures a quiet domestic scene illuminated by a single source of light, emphasizing the ordinary actions of its figures.

Subject & Meaning

The title suggests a narrative moment, perhaps a request to fetch beer, hinting at everyday chores and social interaction.

The composition presents three individuals within a modest interior: one seated at a table, eating; another standing nearby, holding a hat; and a third leaning against the wall, also wearing a hat. A dog rests on the floor, while simple food items—a few carrots—lie on the table. The title suggests a narrative moment, perhaps a request to fetch beer, hinting at everyday chores and social interaction.

Technique & Style

The work employs strong chiaroscuro, with deep shadows contrasting sharply against illuminated surfaces. This dramatic lighting isolates the faces and objects, giving the scene a three‑dimensional quality despite its flat medium. The muted palette and limited detail focus attention on the gestures and spatial relationships.

Context

The mid‑17th‑century date places the image within a period when genre scenes depicting daily life were popular in Northern European art. The modest setting, simple furnishings, and emphasis on ordinary tasks reflect contemporary interests in realism and moralizing themes.

History & Provenance

After its creation, the piece entered the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography, where it remains accessible to the public. No further ownership history is recorded in the available documentation.