Artwork

Woman with Water Jug

Woman with Water Jug, by Lambert Sustris, oil, 1550
Woman with Water Jug, by Lambert Sustris, oil, 1550

Woman with Water Jug is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Lambert Sustris. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Woman with Water Jug, created circa 1550 by Lambert Sustris, is an oil painting depicting a serene scene of a woman pouring water from a jug into a smaller vessel, set against a tranquil landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a woman in a dark, off-the-shoulder gown with a gold belt, embodies subtle elegance. Her action of pouring water conveys a sense of everyday life infused with calmness, characteristic of Mannerist emphasis on refined, elongated figures and poetic scenes.

Technique & Style

The painting exhibits Mannerist stylistic traits, possibly influenced by Parmigianino, alongside potential chiaroscuro techniques. Sustris's training in Titian’s studio is evident in the balanced composition, harmonious color use, and effective play of light and shadow.

History & Provenance

Created during Sustris's time in Venice, the work reflects his evolution from Titian’s influence to adopting Mannerist styles. It is now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection.

Context

Executed in 16th-century Venice, the piece situates itself within the broader Mannerist movement, distinguished by its refined figures and elegant simplicity, contrasting with the preceding High Renaissance.

Legacy

As a Mannerist work, *Woman with Water Jug* contributes to the understanding of the movement's spread and evolution, particularly among artists influenced by both Italian and Northern European traditions.

Artist & collection

Artist

Lambert Sustris

Lambert Sustris (c. 1515/1520 – c. 1584) was a Dutch painter active mainly in Venice. The works Sustris completed in Italy exhibit either a Mannerist style or qualities that may be deemed proto-Baroque. He is also…

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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