Artwork

A Musical Party by Candlelight

A Musical Party by Candlelight, by Michiel Versteegh, oil, 1803
A Musical Party by Candlelight, by Michiel Versteegh, oil, 1803

A Musical Party by Candlelight is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Michiel Versteegh. It dates from 1803 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

A Musical Party by Candlelight is an oil painting created by Michiel Versteegh in 1803. It is a genre scene currently held at the Rijksmuseum.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene domestic scene where a man plays the violin while a woman accompanies him by reading from a music book. Three children and a dog are seated around them, fully engaged in the music.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro, a technique that utilizes strong contrasts between light and dark, to create a warm and intimate atmosphere. The soft glow of candles highlights the faces of the figures, while the surrounding environment remains shrouded in darkness.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Michiel Versteegh

Artist

Michiel Versteegh

Michiel Versteegh (1756–1843) was an artist, born in Dordrecht.

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.