A peepshow with views of the interior of a Dutch house

Samuel van Hoogstraten (1627 - 1678)

National Gallery

circa 1655 - 1660

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.

• Medium: wood
• Dimensions: 58 x 81 x 58 cm
• ArtFunded in: 1923
• Presented by Sir Robert & Lady Witt through The Art Fund

Provenance

Collection of Sir H Howorth.

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