An Old Woman and a Youth by Lamplight 1615 - 1650

"An Old Woman and a Youth by Lamplight" is a 17th-century painting by the Dutch artist Matthias Stom, currently housed in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst. The work depicts an elderly woman and a young man illuminated by a single lamp, a common motif in Stom's oeuvre. The chiaroscuro technique, which uses strong contrasts of light and dark, creates a dramatic and intimate atmosphere, highlighting the figures' expressions and emphasizing the lamp's flickering flame. The painting, dating back to 1615-1650, exemplifies Stom's mastery of tenebrism, a style characterized by dramatic lighting and deep shadows. This artwork, a testament to Stom's talent, invites viewers to contemplate the interplay between youth and age, light and shadow, and the passage of time.