An Elegant Company by Pieter Codde

In the galleries of the Art Institute of Chicago is the painting "An Elegant Company" by the 17th Century Dutch master Pieter Codde. This painting depicts a social engagement of an upper class family in Holland.

As so often is the case with Dutch paintings they offer us so much information about the life and times of that era. In this painting we have a gathering of adults for a gracious and elegant gathering. This can be seen by the fine clothing worn by everyone and also the luxurious room with fine appointments and object.

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The main figures which dominate the scene are the couple in the center, whom are either the host and hostess or more likely the arrival of very high-ranking persons to the party. The gentleman bowing to the lady in gray is most likely the host of this event and he is expressing his gratitude for their presence with this gesture. The material on the host and the lady to whom he is bowing are made of silk in similar tones. The execution and detail of the paint by Codde here is remarkable for he has captured the texture and the light of the material and so very well placed them on the figures. There is no over-painting or suggestive marks, rather we have very fine and calculated brush strokes to render to us remarkable detail by the artist. The husband or companion of the lady is large and in dark material that too is well rendered but not so demanding on the painterly skills of the artist. The other figure worth noting is the gentleman with a hat on behind the person bowing, he too must be a new arrival for he still has his hat on.

The four figures make up the stage action of the scene and are well supported by the other people in the room. The scene is rather dark considering the light that is coming in from the left (from a window not seen). The light gives highlight to the figures but also casts dark shadows everywhere. To the left near the window is an array of objects from musical instruments to vessels for food and drink. If you look carefully you will see the right arm of a young man reaching for the ewer, the shadows make the actions of this figure difficult to see. There is no sign of any musicians but they must have already played for the group for the musical scores are open and laid around (even on the floor). The attention to detail on the object near the window compliment the same quality of detail in the clothing of the host and lady in the center.

Stephen F. Condren - Artist

An Elegant Company by Pieter Codde

Fine Arts, House Portraits, Skyline Paintings. Your feedback is welcome!

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