Artwork
Playing skittles
Playing skittles is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Cornelis Dusart. It dates from 1692 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Armenia.
About this work
Overview
Playing skittles is a 17th-century oil painting by Dutch genre artist Cornelis Dusart, created around 1692. It captures a lively outdoor scene of everyday people engaged in a recreational activity.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a group of individuals playing skittles in a leisurely setting, conveying a sense of enjoyment and communal leisure. The scene is set in front of a large, prominently featured house with a steeply pitched roof.
Technique & Style
Dusart employed chiaroscuro to create depth and dimensionality, guiding the viewer's eye into the scene. His style, influenced by his mentor Adriaen van Ostade, aligns with the Dutch Golden Age's tradition of depicting peasant life.
History & Provenance
Cornelis Dusart, born in Haarlem in 1660 and trained under Adriaen van Ostade, produced this work during his activity in the late 17th century. The painting is part of the National Gallery of Armenia's collection.
Context
As a work of the Dutch Golden Age, *Playing skittles* reflects the era's interest in capturing mundane, joyful moments of common life, often in outdoor settings.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of *Playing skittles* on art history are not broadly highlighted, it contributes to the enduring appeal of Dutch Golden Age genre paintings, which continue to be celebrated for their warmth and detailed portrayal of everyday life.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis Dusart (April 24, 1660 – October 1, 1704) was a Dutch genre painter, drawer (artists), and printmaker.
