An Architectural Fantasy with Figures
About this artwork
This large painting shows the airy interior of an imaginary palace or public space that leads out to an elaborate garden in the distance. The scene is dominated by the enormous barrel vault that runs from the foreground to the garden; while the geometric pattern of paving stones helps create the effect of depth and perspective. The figures, dwarfed by the massive columns and vaults, consist of both wealthy people dressed in fashionable Dutch costumes, as well as servants and beggars. Although Houckgeest painted this early in his career, it demonstrates his mastery of chiaroscuro and sophisticated use of shadows. This evokes a real sense of depth and atmosphere and brings the fantastic structure to life.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Gerrit Houckgeest (about 1600 - 1661) Dutch
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title:An Architectural Fantasy with Figures
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date created:Dated 1638
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:131.10 x 152.00 cm; Framed: 159.50 x 181.00 x 11.20 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased by the RI 1830; transferred 1859
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accession number:NG 46
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gallery:
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subject:
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
Gerrit Houckgeest
Gerrit Houckgeest
Houckgeest probably studied under the architect and painter Bartholomeus van Bassen in his native town of The Hague, before moving to Delft in 1635. By 1640 he was back in The Hague, designing tapestries for the assembly hall of the parliament, the States General. His early paintings follow Van...