In the paintings from the Baroque Era there are depictions of beautiful landscapes, dramatic, emotional scenes and soft still life that capture the allure of everyday items. Many wonderful portraits were done, but it is a rare thing to see the portrayal of children esp, in such a joyous state as is depicted in Judith Leyster’s A boy a Girl and an Eel. I found no other artist, in my opinion, that could match her paintings when capturing the joy in children. Just looking at this painting makes me smile. It’s as if her canvas was the camera and her paintbrush a lens snapping a quick shot of youth at it’s very best. The pride in the face of the little boy is one I have seen on so many little faces after they have done something they are proud of. And the little girl points teasingly at the painter as if to say I see you and I wonder what your doing. One can see the little kitten grasping onto the little boys coat in as it is hugged almost to tightly which is typical of children. The minute details are marvelous from the expression on the childrens face to the folds of their attire. The colors though limited are rich and give a feeling of warmth and familiarity. This painting captures the essence of domestic genre painting and is a prime example of what a middle class dutch merchant or farmer’s wife might want to hanging on their wall.
No longer were the common people in the background when it came to artistic apperciation. As a result of The Thirty Year War The Netherlands became it’s own sovergin nation, and with it’s newly found indepenecne it was able to carve a comfortable place in the world of politics and the booming world trade. A new merhcant class arised and with it the desire to own paintings that showed the things that were important to them, hence the patronage of painters like Judith Leyster and painting such as the A Boy and a Girl with a Cat and an Eel. It is also interesting to note that up until this point in history childhood was very narrowly defined. Children were seen as little adults who needed to work and take part in the support of their family. This paniting could be seen as a testament to the development of childhood, which started a completely differnt social status for some children who’s families now had the means to provide them with leisure time and childhood.
This was very interesting to read about due to how much you analyzed not only the piece itself, but the people within the piece! From the colors of the painting and how they affect it, to the aspects of the children. One thing that caught me eye is how dark the painting, but how lit up the children’s faces are.
I also think that you did a very good job at relating the painting to what was happening during that time and how Leyster became even more appreciated as an artists after the Thirty year war. She was an independent artist who really brought out a lot of areas of life that weren’t really focused on before it. Does this painting make you want to live in that time? =) Seems like a happy place!
What a wonderful painting! I agree that it is refreshing to see smiling and happy faces after viewing so many paintings with religious overtones. I think that paintings like this one allow those of us in current times the ability of imagining what life was like several hundred years ago. Any of our children (with some period dress, of course) could be pictured in this same setting. Do you think that is what makes a Master? When the painting speaks to viewers that are not necessarily familiar with the time and place hat the painting was created?
Besides enjoying the actual painted scene I also enjoyed your description of the people of the Netherlands and how the Thirty Year War affected the people and the arts. Thank you for the post.
Wouldn’t you just love to have Leyster do a portrait of you, or your family? This work is so highly animated and personal. It also strikes directly at the heart, no matter what century you live in. Kids will be kids; and their child like curiosity and openness is so clearly expressed through the compositional aspects so adeptly designed by Madame Leyster.