Artwork
Boy Holding a Torch

Boy Holding a Torch is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Godfried Schalcken. It dates from 1696 and is held in the collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario.
About this work
Overview
Boy Holding a Torch is a 1696 oil painting by Dutch artist Godfried Schalcken, exemplifying the refined style of the Leiden fijnschilders.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a young boy holding a lit torch, his face and clothing illuminated by the warm glow. His serious expression and intent gaze suggest contemplation or deep thought.
Technique & Style
Schalcken's meticulous attention to detail and mastery of light and shadow create a sense of depth and atmosphere, characteristic of his work and the Dutch Golden Age.
History & Provenance
Created in 1696, the painting is a product of the Dutch Golden Age, a period of flourishing art and culture in the Netherlands.
Artist & collection
Artist
Godfried Schalcken (8 October 1643 – 16 November 1706) was a Dutch artist who specialized in genre paintings and portraits.
















