Who painted Woman holding an Egg up against a Lamp?

Woman holding an Egg up against a Lamp was painted by Godfried Schalcken in 1667.

Where can I see Woman holding an Egg up against a Lamp?

Woman holding an Egg up against a Lamp is held by Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.

What movement is Woman holding an Egg up against a Lamp?

Woman holding an Egg up against a Lamp is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Woman holding an Egg up against a Lamp

Godfried Schalcken , 1667

Woman holding an Egg up against a Lamp is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Godfried Schalcken. It dates from 1667 and is held in the collection of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden. Created in 1667, this oil painting portrays a solitary woman illuminated by a single lamp.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1667, this oil painting portrays a solitary woman illuminated by a single lamp. She holds a chicken egg close to the flame, its surface catching the warm light. The composition is set against a dark backdrop, focusing attention on the interplay of light and shadow that defines the scene.

Subject & Meaning

The work captures a quiet, domestic moment: a woman examining an egg, perhaps testing its freshness or admiring its form. The upward gaze and careful handling suggest contemplation, while the lamp’s glow emphasizes the fragility and transience of the object she holds.

Technique & Style

Executed with the meticulous brushwork typical of the Leiden fijnschilders, the artist renders the subtle gradations of candlelight on skin, fabric, and the egg’s shell. The chiaroscuro effect heightens the three‑dimensionality of the figures, and the fine detailing of feathers and textures reflects a refined, almost photographic realism.

History & Provenance

The painting belongs to the Dutch Golden Age and is part of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister collection. It was produced by Godfried Schalcken, a noted Dutch painter whose oeuvre includes genre scenes and portraits distinguished by their delicate handling of light.