Artwork

The ill-matched lovers

The ill-matched lovers, by Unknown, 1561
The ill-matched lovers, by Unknown, 1561

The ill-matched lovers is a photography by the Renaissance artist Unknown. It dates from 1561 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

The Ill-Matched Lovers is a black-and-white photograph depicting an intimate scene between three individuals, created in 1561 by an unknown artist, but actually a later work.

Subject & Meaning

The image shows an older man and a younger woman in a close, playful interaction, observed by an older woman in the background. The title suggests the scene may be commenting on unconventional relationships or age disparities.

Technique & Style

The photograph features soft lighting and shadows on the subjects' faces and clothing, evoking a Renaissance-era aesthetic despite being a later work. The style is reminiscent of older artistic traditions, with a focus on capturing a moment of human interaction.

History & Provenance

The Ill-Matched Lovers is held at the Museum of Ethnography, though its creation date of 1561 is likely inaccurate, as photography did not exist during the Renaissance.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known