Artwork

Mother with her Three Children (Maria Ovens, the Wife of the Painter)

Mother with her Three Children (Maria Ovens, the Wife of the Painter) is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Jürgen Ovens. It dates from 1657 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest.

About this work

Overview

The painting 'Mother with her Three Children (Maria Ovens, the Wife of the Painter)' is an oil on canvas work created by Jürgen Ovens in 1657. It is a representation of the artist's family and is characterized by its Flemish Baroque style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Maria Ovens, the artist's wife, surrounded by their three children in a natural setting. The scene is imbued with a sense of tenderness and calm, as Maria interacts gently with the children, suggesting a deeper allegorical meaning.

Technique & Style

Ovens employs chiaroscuro, a technique utilizing strong light and dark contrasts, to create a sense of depth and volume in the composition. The use of this technique is characteristic of the Flemish Baroque style, which is evident in the work.

History & Provenance

Jürgen Ovens, trained under Rembrandt, was a portrait painter and art dealer who served the Dukes of Holstein-Gottorp. The painting is now held in the Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest.

Artist & collection

Artist

Jürgen Ovens

Jürgen Ovens (1623 – 9 December 1678), also known as Georg, or Jurriaen Ovens whilst in the Netherlands, was a portrait painter and art-dealer from North Frisia and, according to Arnold Houbraken, a pupil of Rembrandt.