Artwork
The Physician
The Physician is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Gerrit Dou. It dates from 1660 and is held in the collection of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.
About this work
Overview
The Physician is a 1660 oil painting by Gerrit Dou, a Dutch Golden Age artist known for his meticulous and detailed works.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a physician examining a patient by candlelight, capturing a moment of quiet contemplation. The physician's serious expression and focused attention convey a sense of concern for the patient's condition.
Technique & Style
Dou's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of volume and depth, with strong contrasts between light and dark. The painting exemplifies the Leiden fijnschilders' style, characterized by meticulous detail and trompe-l'œil effects.
History & Provenance
The Physician is part of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister collection. As a student of Rembrandt, Dou's work reflects the influence of his teacher, while also showcasing his own unique style and technique.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gerrit Dou (pronounced ; 7 April 1613 – 9 February 1675), also known as Gerard Douw or Dow, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, whose small, highly polished paintings are typical of the Leiden fijnschilders.
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