1661
oil
panel
From the collection of National Museum in Kraków
Unpleasant Surprise (Mismatched Couple) is a 1661 oil by Cornelis Mahu, held at National Museum in Kraków.
This painting depicts a scene of surprise and reaction. In the foreground, a woman in a red dress and white headscarf is whispering to an older man, who is holding a large bowl. To their right, a woman in a white dress and headscarf is pointing towards them, while a man in a green outfit is entering the room from the left. The room is dimly lit, with various household items scattered around. The painting features a mix of earthy tones, with the woman's red dress standing out against the muted background. The overall atmosphere is one of tension and surprise, as the characters react to the sudden entrance. This painting is a great example of the use of chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and depth.
Cornelis Mahu (1613 – 16 November 1689) was a Flemish painter of still lifes, genre paintings and seascapes who showed a very high level of craftsmanship in his compositions.
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