Lovers was painted by Nicolaes Maes in 1659.

Where can I see Lovers?

Lovers is held by Philadelphia Museum of Art.

What movement is Lovers?

Lovers is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Lovers

Nicolaes Maes , 1659

Lovers is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Nicolaes Maes. It dates from 1659 and is held in the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Nicolaes Maes painted *Lovers* in 1659, a work executed in oil on canvas that now belongs to the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The composition shows a man and woman in an affectionate embrace before a gate, accompanied by a small dog, while a distant church spire rises above the surrounding trees.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures a private moment of courtship, with the woman in a long skirt and apron receiving a kiss from the man in a white shirt and breeches. The presence of the dog, a traditional symbol of fidelity, and the tranquil setting suggest themes of love, domesticity, and moral virtue common in Dutch genre painting.

Technique & Style

Maes employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts of light and shadow to model the figures and draw attention to their expressions. The muted palette and careful rendering of textures—fabric folds, fur, and stone—reflect the influence of his master Rembrandt while also anticipating the smoother finish of later Dutch portraiture.

History & Provenance

Created during the Dutch Golden Age, the painting was likely produced while Maes was active in Dordrecht before his relocation to Amsterdam. It entered the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art in the 20th century, though earlier ownership records are sparse, reflecting the typical trajectory of Dutch genre works entering American museums.

Context

*Lovers* belongs to a series of domestic scenes that Maes painted in the 1650s, a period when he was transitioning from genre subjects toward portraiture. The gate motif recurs in his oeuvre, serving as a compositional device that frames intimate encounters within a recognizable, everyday environment.

Artist & collection

Artist

Nicolaes Maes

Nicolaes Maes (January 1634 – December 1693; buried 24 December 1693) was a Dutch painter known for his genre scenes, portraits, religious compositions and the occasional still life.