Artwork
Woman reading music
Woman reading music is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Han van Meegeren. It dates from 1937 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Woman reading music is a 1937 oil painting by Dutch artist Han van Meegeren, categorized as a genre scene within the Dutch Golden Age movement.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene woman in a blue dress and dark blue headscarf, intently examining sheet music by a window. Her attire, including a pearl necklace, suggests a modest yet refined setting. The presence of sheet music implies a moment of musical engagement, potentially practice or quiet contemplation.
Technique & Style
The work showcases precise manipulation of light and shadow, characteristic of chiaroscuro. Sunlight streaming through the window illuminates the subject's face, contrasting with the shadows on her clothes and the background, where another painting hangs.
History & Provenance
Created in 1937 by Han van Meegeren, a professional painter and later notorious art forger, the painting faced critical scrutiny during the artist's lifetime, reflecting the mixed reception of his legitimate work.
Artist & collection
Artist
Henricus Antonius "Han" van Meegeren (Dutch pronunciation: ; 10 October 1889 – 30 December 1947) was a Dutch painter and portraitist, considered one of the most ingenious art forgers of the 20th century.
