Who painted A House Burgled at Night?

A House Burgled at Night was painted by Unknown in 1700.

Where can I see A House Burgled at Night?

A House Burgled at Night is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is A House Burgled at Night?

A House Burgled at Night is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

A House Burgled at Night

Unknown , 1700

A House Burgled at Night is an unspecified painting by the Baroque artist Unknown. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 2013.333
Credit line: Gift in honor of Madeline Neves Clapp; Gift of Mrs. Henry White Cannon by exchange; Bequest of Louise T. Cooper; Leonard C. Hanna Jr. Fund; From the Catherine and Ralph Benkaim Collection

About this work

Overview

The painting portrays a nocturnal intrusion into a Mughal residence: a group of thieves scales the outer wall, entering a courtyard to pilfer furniture and jewels while a woman darts toward the doorway, her flowing skirt and abandoned shoe suggesting urgent escape.

Subject & Meaning

The central narrative captures a moment of disorder and panic, emphasizing the swift motion of the fleeing woman through the fluttering scarf she clutches. The scene may allude to the broader instability of the early 18th‑century Mughal court, a period marked by rapid imperial succession and attendant turmoil.

Technique & Style

Executed in a dark palette, the artist employs deep shadows to obscure the intruders’ faces, heightening the sense of secrecy. Fine brushwork renders the movement of fabric and the gleam of stolen objects, while the contrast between illuminated interior elements and the surrounding gloom creates dramatic tension.

History & Provenance

Unlike the majority of Mughal paintings that celebrate royal ceremonies, this work is an uncommon depiction of criminal activity. The creator remains unidentified, but the piece has survived in a private collection before entering a museum holding, where it is noted for its rarity within the Mughal visual tradition.

Context

Set against the backdrop of early 1700s Mughal India, the artwork reflects a time when political instability disrupted courtly life. By focusing on a domestic burglary rather than regal pageantry, the painting offers a glimpse into the anxieties of the period and expands the thematic range of Mughal visual culture.