Couple Conversing
1679
From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst
This photo shows a woman sitting with her arm around a child, both dressed in flowing, old-fashioned clothes. A man stands behind them, gesturing with his hands as if talking. On a nearby table sits a shiny pitcher and a bowl. The woman’s face is lit softly, while the background stays dark, creating a strong contrast. This trick makes the figures stand out. This effect is called *chiaroscuro*.