The Broken Jar

The Broken Jar

David Wilkie

1816

oil

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This painting shows a group of people gathered around a bed, where a person in a white nightshirt and cap is sitting. The bed is against a dark wall with a large window, and the room is dimly lit. A broken jar is on the floor. The scene is set in a small, cozy room with wooden furniture and a few scattered belongings. The people in the painting seem to be in a state of distress or concern. If you're interested in learning more about the artist's use of light and shadow, you might want to look into the technique of chiaroscuro.

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