Who painted An Elegant Company?

An Elegant Company was painted by Pieter Codde in 1632.

Where can I see An Elegant Company?

An Elegant Company is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is An Elegant Company?

An Elegant Company is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of An Elegant Company?

Museum-quality prints of An Elegant Company are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

An Elegant Company

Pieter Codde , 1632

An Elegant Company is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Pieter Codde. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

Accession no.: 16347
Credit line: Mr. and Mrs. Martin A. Ryerson Collection

About this work

Overview

An Elegant Company is an oil on panel painting by Pieter Codde, depicting a lively gathering of 18 individuals in a meticulously composed scene.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a refined social assembly, with a central figure, a woman in luxurious silver satin, surrounded by guests and attendants engaging in various activities. This representation of joyful, mannered interaction would have served as a model of polite behavior for the cosmopolitan elite.

Technique & Style

Codde employed a complex interplay of gestures, glances, and poses to animate the crowded room. The use of chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, adds depth and shapes the mood of the scene, drawing attention to key elements like the shimmering silver satin dress.

History & Provenance

As a specialist in 'merry companies,' Codde's work reflects the Amsterdam tradition of depicting finely dressed revelers. The painting's specific provenance and date are not provided, but it aligns with 17th-century Dutch genre painting.

Context

Such paintings catered to the tastes of cosmopolitan art collectors, offering reflections of, and guidance on, refined, wealthy lifestyles. The attention to individual roles and social station highlights the societal values of the time.