Old Woman Saying Grace, Known as ‘The Prayer without End’ c. 1656
nicolaesmaes
figurative
charcoal drawing
charcoal art
oil painting
portrait reference
portrait head and shoulder
portrait drawing
facial portrait
portrait art
fine art portrait
digital portrait
Nicolaes Maes’s “Old Woman Saying Grace, Known as ‘The Prayer without End’” (c. 1656), depicts an elderly woman offering a prayer of gratitude before a simple meal. The somber lighting and realistic portrayal of the woman’s worn features create a sense of quiet piety. The presence of a cat, seemingly reaching for the food on the table, provides a subtle contrast to the woman's devoutness. This genre painting, typical of Dutch Golden Age art, offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of ordinary people, emphasizing themes of faith and humility.
Comments
An old woman prays devoutly before eating her meal. She does not let the begging cat tugging impatiently on the tablecloth distract her. The virtue of the old woman lies in her self-control and sense of duty to God. Just like his teacher Rembrandt, Maes focuses attention on the essence of the scene through restricted lighting.
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