Grace Before Meat 1660

Gerrit Dou's "Grace Before Meat" (1660) depicts a woman seated at a table in a humble interior, her hands clasped in prayer before a meal of bread and meat. The painting, known for its meticulous detail and realistic depiction of light, is a quintessential example of the Dutch genre painting tradition. Dou was a pupil of Rembrandt, and his work reflects the influence of his master's style in its use of chiaroscuro and psychological depth. The scene emphasizes the simple piety and everyday life of ordinary people, a theme that resonated with Dutch audiences of the 17th century.