Who painted Tea time - end of shift?

Tea time - end of shift was painted by Unknown in 1800.

Where can I see Tea time - end of shift?

Tea time - end of shift is held by National Library of Wales.

What movement is Tea time - end of shift?

Tea time - end of shift is associated with Biedermeier.

Artwork

Tea time - end of shift

Unknown , 1800

Tea time - end of shift is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Unknown. It dates from 1800 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales. The oil painting depicts an intimate domestic interior centered on a stone fireplace.

About this work

Overview

The oil painting depicts an intimate domestic interior centered on a stone fireplace. A table arranged for tea occupies the foreground, while figures—a woman cradling an infant, a young girl, and a man in hat and apron—populate the room. A dog rests on the floor, and the mantel is adorned with small statues and vases, creating a lived‑in atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The composition presents a moment of everyday routine after work, suggested by the title’s reference to a shift’s end. The gathering around tea implies hospitality and familial care, with the woman’s protective hold on the baby and the man’s relaxed posture indicating a shared domestic respite.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro, contrasting deep shadows with warm illumination from the fireplace to model forms and convey depth. This manipulation of light enhances the three‑dimensionality of objects and figures, while the muted palette and careful rendering of textures reinforce the scene’s realism.

Context

Rendered in oil, the work aligns with 19th‑century genre paintings that foreground middle‑class interior life. The inclusion of domestic details—tea service, modest furnishings, and a pet—reflects contemporary interest in portraying ordinary moments with a sense of dignity and warmth.