Who painted Lesende Nonnen (Art des)?

Lesende Nonnen (Art des) was painted by Godfried Schalcken in 1674.

Where can I see Lesende Nonnen (Art des)?

Lesende Nonnen (Art des) is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Lesende Nonnen (Art des)?

Lesende Nonnen (Art des) is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

Lesende Nonnen (Art des)

Godfried Schalcken , 1674

Lesende Nonnen (Art des) is an unspecified painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Godfried Schalcken. It dates from 1674 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Executed in the meticulous manner of the Leiden fijnschilders, the work depicts a dimly lit interior where a single candle provides the only illumination.

Godfried Schalcken’s *Lesende Nonnen (Art des)* was painted in 1674. Executed in the meticulous manner of the Leiden fijnschilders, the work depicts a dimly lit interior where a single candle provides the only illumination. The composition centers on a group gathered around a table, their dark garments merging with the surrounding shadows, while the candle’s glow defines the scene’s limited space.

Technique & Style

Schalcken employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, allowing the candlelight to carve out strong contrasts between light and darkness. The delicate rendering of textures—particularly the soft glow on faces and the sheen of fabric—reflects his reputation for rendering nocturnal atmospheres. The precise brushwork and subtle tonal transitions exemplify the fijnschilder tradition’s emphasis on fine detail and controlled lighting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting presents a modest gathering, likely of nuns, engaged in reading or contemplation, suggested by the title. The solitary candle may symbolize spiritual illumination amid the cloistered darkness, while the subdued setting underscores themes of devotion and quiet scholarly activity within a religious community.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the work has entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s broader interest in Dutch Baroque painting and the representation of intimate interior scenes from the 17th century.

Context

Created during the Flemish Baroque period, the painting aligns with a broader European fascination with candlelit interiors, a motif explored by contemporaries such as Vermeer and Gerrit Dou. Schalcken’s focus on nocturnal light places him among artists who used artificial illumination to explore mood, narrative, and the interplay of material and spiritual realms.