Artwork
Schlafende Frau
Schlafende Frau is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan van Haensbergen. It dates from 1673 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Johannes van Haensbergen’s 1673 oil painting, titled *Schlafende Frau*, is part of the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich. The work presents a solitary woman seated in a dim interior, illuminated by a single candle that highlights her tranquil expression.
Subject & Meaning
The figure is shown with her head inclined backward, eyes closed, suggesting a moment of repose or introspection. Dressed in a dark gown and a white headscarf, she rests her right arm on the table, creating a composition that emphasizes quiet contemplation within a private space.
Technique & Style
Van Haensbergen employs chiaroscuro, the contrast of light and shadow, to model the woman’s form and give the scene a three‑dimensional quality. The candle’s warm glow defines her facial features while the surrounding darkness recedes, directing the viewer’s focus toward the illuminated center.
History & Provenance
Created in 1673, the painting entered the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings at an unspecified date, where it remains on display as an example of Dutch‑Flemish genre painting from the late 17th century.
Artist & collection
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