© National Gallery, London
A peepshow with views of the interior of a Dutch house
Artist: Samuel van Hoogstraten (1627 - 1678)
Location: National Gallery
Date: circa 1655 - 1660
Materials: wood
Dimensions: 58 x 81 x 58 cm
Gift:
Review number: 416 (1923)
Provenance:
Collection of Sir H Howorth.
Description:
The interior is painted with a dioramic representation of the interior of the home of a wealthy Dutch citizen of the 17th century, seen in perspective from two small eye-holes, one at each end. The cabinet is painted on the floor, the ceiling and three sides, the fourth side being filled with a glass front to diffuse the light. The outside of the cabinet is painted with allegorical figures and a picture of the artist sketching.
There are 2 comments on this artwork
I first saw this incredible piece of art in 1969. My first thought, upon looking in the peep hole was that a very clever artist had constructed a lovely series of rooms. Only when someone looked in the opposite eye hole did the true genius of the work emerge. I saw an eye and realized that the whole interior was empty, and the walls I saw had been painted on the sides of the box. Over the years, this viewing has impressed me so that I haven't forgotten it or Van Hoogstraten's name, but until now I couldn't remember where in London I had seen it. Thank goodness for the internet! Why, I wonder, is this work not better known?
2007-07-27 04:00:00
I first saw this incredible piece of art in 1969. My first thought, upon looking in the peep hole was that a very clever artist had constructed a lovely series of rooms. Only when someone looked in the opposite eye hole did the true genius of the work emerge. I saw an eye and realized that the whole interior was empty, and the walls I saw had been painted on the sides of the box. Over the years, this viewing has impressed me so that I haven't forgotten it or Van Hoogstraten's name, but until now I couldn't remember where in London I had seen it. Thank goodness for the internet! Why, I wonder, is this work not better known?
2007-07-27 04:02:00
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