Artwork

Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel

Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel, by Quirijn van Brekelenkam, paint, 1667
Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel, by Quirijn van Brekelenkam, paint, 1667

Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel is a paint painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Quirijn van Brekelenkam. It dates from 1667 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel is a 1667 painting by Quirijn van Brekelenkam, a Dutch Baroque genre painter from Leiden. The work exemplifies the artist's attention to detail in depicting everyday life.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a young woman absorbed in spinning thread, conveying a sense of quiet domesticity and contemplation. Her introspective pose, with eyes cast downward, suggests a moment of introspection amidst a mundane task.

Technique & Style

Van Brekelenkam employed chiaroscuro to create depth, using strong light and dark contrasts. The soft, muted lighting and detailed rendering of objects reflect his training under Gerard Dou and the influence of the Leiden fijnschilders movement.

History & Provenance

Created during the Dutch Golden Age, the painting is characteristic of the era's flourishing artistic production. Van Brekelenkam's work was influenced by his mentor Gerard Dou, a prominent figure in the Leiden fijnschilders.

Context

The Dutch Golden Age (17th century) provided the backdrop for this painting, a time of economic prosperity and cultural flowering in the Netherlands that encouraged the development of detailed, realistic genre scenes.

Legacy

While specific legacy details of Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel are not provided, it contributes to the broader appreciation of Dutch Baroque genre painting and the Leiden fijnschilders' emphasis on meticulous detail and domestic themes.

Peasant woman spinning
Peasant woman spinning, Thomas Wijck

Artist & collection

Artist

Quirijn van Brekelenkam

Quirijn or Quiringh Gerritsz van Brekelenkam (1622/29, Zwammerdam – 1669/79, Leiden) was a Dutch Baroque genre painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Gemäldegalerie Berlin open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel?

Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel was painted by Quirijn van Brekelenkam in 1667.

Where can I see Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel?

Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel?

Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel?

Museum-quality prints of Young Woman at the Spinning Wheel are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.