Who painted Old man washing his Hands?

Old man washing his Hands was painted by Unknown in 1650.

Where can I see Old man washing his Hands?

Old man washing his Hands is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Old man washing his Hands

Old man washing his Hands 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

Old man washing his Hands, attributed to the anonymous creator known as 795_person, dates to around 1650. The image is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography and depicts a domestic ritual captured in a quiet interior setting.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on an elderly figure seated at a low table, his hands immersed in a shallow bowl of water. A younger onlooker leans forward, suggesting a teaching moment or a shared routine. The act of washing may allude to themes of purification, daily care, or the transmission of habits across generations.

Technique & Style

The work relies on a stark contrast of illumination and shadow, directing attention to the man's weathered face and the glistening skin of his hands. This chiaroscuro approach emphasizes texture—the creases of age and the wet sheen of water—while the subdued lighting creates an intimate atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created in the mid‑17th century, the piece entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its attribution to 795_person reflects ongoing scholarly efforts to identify the anonymous hand behind several ethnographic visual records from the period.