Joost van Geel
Woman Peeling Apples, c. 1650-1700
Oil on panel, 24,5 x 20,1 cm.
Inventory number: 0035NMK
Bestowed, 1908

 

This small painting is presumably from the late period of Metsu’s life, where solemn depictions of everyday lives of peasants, the bourgeoisie and servants become more prevalent. Located at the centre of the painting are the young woman’s face and left hand, which holds a beautiful red apple. She sits slightly bent over, as if frozen in action, lost in thought with an introspective gaze that gives the painting a quiet, dreamy expression. A group of trees in the background, through which the rosy evening light can be glimpsed, gives depth to the composition, and the girl’s white headcloth, collar and apron create large, harmonic fields of light around her face and the hand with the apple. On the edge of the table, the artist has signed the painting “G Metsu”.


 

Joost van Geel (1631-1698)

FØLG OS PÅ instagram

FOLLOw us on instagram