The old schoolmaster 1671

"The Old Schoolmaster" (1671) by Gerrit Dou depicts a man meticulously preparing a quill pen in a dimly lit room. The painting, a classic example of Dutch genre painting, captures the meticulous detail and everyday activities of common people. Dou’s masterful use of light and shadow creates a sense of intimacy, drawing the viewer into the moment. The inclusion of an hourglass and a birdcage, symbolic of time and freedom, adds depth to the scene, suggesting a reflection on the passage of time.