Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Jacob Spoel, unspecified, 1858
Untitled, by Jacob Spoel, unspecified, 1858

Untitled is an unspecified painting by the Biedermeier artist Jacob Spoel. It dates from 1858 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

The woman is a widow of a painter, and the torch painting on the wall is likely her late husband’s work.

You see a woman, a man, and a boy in a dim room. The woman holds a drawing; the man flips through a portfolio. A small painting hangs behind them, showing a torch going out.

This was painted in 1858 as a family portrait. The woman is a widow of a painter, and the torch painting on the wall is likely her late husband’s work. It’s rare to see a personal moment like this—no grand poses, just quiet family time with art.

To see more quiet Dutch family scenes, visit the Rijksmuseum.

Overview

Untitled is a 1858 painting depicting a family scene with a woman, man, and boy in a subdued atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The subjects are likely Mevrouw A.J. Schmidt-Keiser, widow of painter Willem Hendrik Schmidt, her brother J.N. Keiser, and her son. The scene conveys a sense of quiet family time, with the woman holding a drawing and the man examining a portfolio.

Technique & Style

The painting features a subdued color palette and intimate composition, capturing a personal moment. A small allegorical painting on the wall, possibly by the late husband, adds depth to the scene.

Context

This family portrait is characteristic of Dutch art's focus on domestic scenes, similar to those found in the Rijksmuseum's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacob Spoel

Artist

Jacob Spoel

Jacob Spoel (1820–1868) was an artist, born in Rotterdam.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

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