Who painted Fire at a Village by Night?

Fire at a Village by Night was painted by Unknown in 1650.

Where can I see Fire at a Village by Night?

Fire at a Village by Night is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Fire at a Village by Night

Fire at a Village by Night 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 known as 964_person, the work titled Fire at a Village by Night is an image held in the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The composition captures a nocturnal scene in which a village is overtaken by flames, the glow of the fire dominating the dark sky.

Subject & Meaning

The picture portrays a settlement ablaze, with orange and yellow light spilling across the night. Figures gather along a water’s edge, some aboard small boats, while the village’s structures stand as dark silhouettes against the inferno. The varied reactions of the people—ranging from panic to a calmer demeanor—suggest a narrative of communal crisis and differing responses to disaster.

Technique & Style

The artist employs a strong chiaroscuro effect, allowing the fire’s illumination to cast deep shadows across the landscape. This contrast heightens the drama of the scene, emphasizing the movement of smoke and the stark outlines of the buildings. The handling of light creates a sense of immediacy and tension within the composition.

History & Provenance

The image dates to the mid‑17th century and has been part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings. No further details about its acquisition or earlier ownership are recorded in the available sources.