Young Woman Seated at a Table, Holding a Candle 1663 - 1706

Godfried Schalcken created this drawing of a young woman with black chalk on paper, likely in the Netherlands, around the turn of the 18th century. The delicate treatment of light is key to its meaning, but we can also consider the artwork as a social document of its time. Schalcken was known for his candlelit scenes, a style that catered to the tastes of wealthy patrons in the Dutch Republic. The woman's fine clothing and relaxed pose suggest a life of privilege. The candle itself is a symbol of both intimacy and transience, reflecting the values of a culture that was becoming increasingly focused on private life and material possessions. To fully understand this drawing, we might turn to period literature, social histories, and studies of Dutch art institutions. These resources can help us to understand how Schalcken's work both reflected and shaped the values of his society, and the role of art in shaping cultural norms.