Who painted Family Group near a Harpsichord?

Family Group near a Harpsichord was painted by Cornelis Troost in 1739.

Where can I see Family Group near a Harpsichord?

Family Group near a Harpsichord is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Family Group near a Harpsichord?

Family Group near a Harpsichord is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Family Group near a Harpsichord?

Museum-quality prints of Family Group near a Harpsichord are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Family Group near a Harpsichord

Cornelis Troost , 1739

Family Group near a Harpsichord is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Cornelis Troost. It dates from 1739 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The harpsichord itself, a status symbol of cultured households, underscores the family's social standing and appreciation for music as an artistic pursuit.

The painting depicts an intimate family scene centered around a harpsichord, reflecting the domestic tranquility and bourgeois values of 18th-century Dutch society. The grouping of figures, parents with children and a servant, symbolizes harmonious household order, a common theme in Rococo portraiture that emphasized private virtue and refined leisure. The harpsichord itself, a status symbol of cultured households, underscores the family's social standing and appreciation for music as an artistic pursuit.

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting executed on canvas, characteristic of the Rococo genre and Troost's portrait style. It depicts a family group arranged near a harpsichord, showcasing the Rococo emphasis on intimate domestic scenes and decorative detail. The composition reflects the formal conventions of 18th-century group portraiture while employing the medium of oil on canvas typical of the period.

History & Provenance

Cornelis Troost painted Family Group near a Harpsichord in 1739, an oil-on-canvas work depicting a family gathered around a harpsichord. The painting entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, where it remains on display as part of their 18th-century portrait series. It is classified as a Rococo-era group portrait, reflecting the period's emphasis on intimate domestic scenes and aristocratic refinement.

The work was created in the Netherlands during the height of Troost's career, showcasing his skill in rendering detailed interior compositions with rich color and delicate brushwork. Its dimensions of 94 cm by 82.5 cm align with standard portrait formats of the time, emphasizing both narrative depth and compositional balance within the Rococo tradition.

Overview

Cornelis Troost's 'Family Group near a Harpsichord' is an oil painting created in 1739, characterized by its association with the Rococo movement. The work depicts a domestic scene of a family of five in an opulently decorated interior, with a woman at the center playing a harpsichord.