Prayer before the Meal 1653

Adriaen van Ostade's "Prayer Before the Meal" (1653) depicts a humble family, likely peasant farmers, gathered for a meal. The father, seated at the table, leads the family in a prayer with his hands clasped together. His wife, holding a small child, and a young boy stand nearby, suggesting a sense of family unity and devoutness. Ostade's masterful use of chiaroscuro, with dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, creates a sense of intimacy and warmth within the dimly lit scene. The work exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's fascination with genre scenes, portraying everyday life with realism and sensitivity. This painting is a treasured piece of the British Museum's collection in London.