Who painted Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon Tea was painted by Jan Anton Garemyn in 1790.

Where can I see Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon Tea is held by Groeningemuseum.

What movement is Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon Tea is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Afternoon Tea?

Museum-quality prints of Afternoon Tea are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Afternoon Tea

Jan Anton Garemyn , 1790

Afternoon Tea is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jan Anton Garemyn. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Groeningemuseum.

About this work

Overview

Jan Anton Garemyn’s 1790 oil painting *Afternoon Tea* presents an intimate interior gathering rendered in the light, decorative manner typical of the Rococo period. The composition centers on a modest domestic setting where figures converse around a table, accompanied by a seated dog, a clock, and a cup, all illuminated by daylight from a large window.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a moment of leisurely social interaction, emphasizing the convivial atmosphere of a mid‑evening refreshment. The inclusion of everyday objects such as the cup, clock, and pet underscores Garemyn’s interest in portraying ordinary life with a gentle humor, inviting viewers to share in the quiet pleasure of communal hospitality.

Technique & Style

Garemyn employs a subtle chiaroscuro, allowing light from the window to model forms and create depth while preserving the pastel palette associated with Rococo aesthetics. The brushwork is delicate, and the rendering of textures—fabric, wood, and fur—demonstrates a careful observation of material qualities without resorting to dramatic contrast.

History & Provenance

Created while Garemyn was active as both a teacher and director at the Bruges Academy, the painting reflects his academic background and pedagogical focus on genre scenes. After remaining in private hands, it entered the collection of the Groeningemuseum in Brugge, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s holdings of Flemish 18th‑century art.

Context

*Afternoon Tea* belongs to a broader Flemish tradition of genre painting that celebrated domestic life, a trend that gained momentum in the late 18th century as artists turned away from grand historical subjects. Garemyn’s work aligns with contemporaneous Rococo tendencies in Northern Europe, where lightness of subject and decorative elegance were prized.