The Sunbeam 1840 - 1904

Christoffel Bisschop's "The Sunbeam" (1840-1904) depicts a woman in a dimly lit room, seated in a chair and reading a book, while a baby sleeps in a cradle nearby. The soft light streaming into the room illuminates the scene, casting long shadows and creating a peaceful, intimate atmosphere. The artist masterfully uses chiaroscuro, a technique that contrasts light and dark areas, to draw attention to the figures and create depth in the composition. This oil painting, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, showcases Bisschop's skill in capturing everyday domesticity, portraying the quiet tenderness of motherhood.