Artwork
An Old Man Counting his Money
An Old Man Counting his Money is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Salomon Koninck. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created in 1635, this oil painting portrays an elderly man seated at a modest table, absorbed in the act of counting coins.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1635, this oil painting portrays an elderly man seated at a modest table, absorbed in the act of counting coins. The composition is set in a dim interior illuminated by a narrow window on the left and a doorway on the right, emphasizing the figure’s concentration. The work belongs to the collection of Denmark’s National Gallery of Denmark (Statens Museum for Kunst).
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, an aged man in a black hat and coat, is depicted with a wrinkled face bent over a red‑cloth‑covered table. He handles a small bag of coins and scattered papers, suggesting a moment of personal accounting or reflection on wealth. The quiet, introspective mood aligns with the Dutch tradition of genre scenes that explore everyday moral concerns.
Technique & Style
Executed with a warm palette typical of Koninck, the painting employs chiaroscuro to model the figure and objects, creating depth through strong contrasts of light and shadow. Fine brushwork renders the texture of fabric, metal, and skin, while the realistic detail underscores the artist’s interest in scholarly and contemplative subjects.
History & Provenance
Salomon Koninck, born in Amsterdam in 1609 to a goldsmith family, trained with several masters before joining the Sint Lucasgilde in 1630 and working within Rembrandt’s circle. After its creation, the painting entered various private collections before being acquired by the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains on display.
Artist & collection
Artist
Salomon (de) Koninck (1609 – buried 8 August 1656) was a Dutch painter of genre scenes and portraits, and an engraver.
