Artwork

Girl by a High Chair

Girl by a High Chair, by Govert Flinck, oil, 1640
Girl by a High Chair, by Govert Flinck, oil, 1640

Girl by a High Chair is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Govert Flinck. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the Mauritshuis.

About this work

If you're interested in learning more about the artist behind this work, you might want to look up Govert Flinck.

This painting shows a young girl standing by a high chair, wearing a white dress and a hat adorned with flowers. She holds a basket in her left hand and grasps the chair with her right.

The girl's attire and the chair suggest a scene from everyday life in the 17th century. The artist has used chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth and contrast in the painting.

If you're interested in learning more about the artist behind this work, you might want to look up Govert Flinck.

Overview

Girl by a High Chair is a 17th-century oil painting by Dutch artist Govert Flinck, dated to 1640. It is part of the collection at the Mauritshuis.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a young girl in a domestic setting, standing beside a high chair. Her attire—a white dress and a flower-adorned hat—and the chair itself, evoke a scene of everyday 17th-century life. The girl's actions, holding a basket with one hand and grasping the chair with the other, suggest a moment of quiet, mundane activity.

Technique & Style

Flinck employed chiaroscuro in the painting, leveraging strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of depth and visual interest.

History & Provenance

Created in 1640, the painting is now housed at the Mauritshuis, a prominent Dutch museum.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Govert Flinck

Artist

Govert Flinck

Govert Flinck (1615–1660) was a Dutch artist, born in Kleve.

Mauritshuis

Museum

Mauritshuis

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Mauritshuis open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.