Artwork
A Monk Reading
A Monk Reading is an oil painting by Jacques Alfred van Muyden. It dates from 1868 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A Monk Reading is an oil painting created by Jacques Alfred van Muyden around 1868. It is a representative work of the artist, a Swiss painter known for his figurative subjects.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a monk engrossed in reading, a common 19th-century genre painting motif. The solitary figure is absorbed in contemplation, conveying a sense of serenity and inviting the viewer into a peaceful atmosphere.
Technique & Style
The work showcases van Muyden's skill in oil painting, with warm tones contrasting against a plain gray background. The monk's attire and the surrounding objects are rendered in detail, creating a sense of elegance and tranquility.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection. Van Muyden was a founding member of the Society of Swiss Painters and Sculptors, and his work reflects his engagement with figurative subjects and other artistic pursuits.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacques Alfred van Muyden (22 October 1818, Lausanne - 11 May 1898, Geneva) was a Swiss history, portrait and genre painter, engraver, and a co-founder of the Society of Swiss Painters and Sculptors.
