An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
The Asparagus Vendor1675–80
Artist: Pieter de Hooch
Dutch, 1629–1684
Dutch Golden Age. Interior of a Dutch house. Man in orange descending staircase at right; woman with a plate and small dog standing at center; woman with baskets of asparagus entering door at left; seated woman, sewing, in background.
30 x 41 in. (76.2 x 104.1 cm) (canvas)
40 1/2 x 51 1/2 in. (102.87 x 130.81 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Netherlands
17th century
Gift of Charles B. and Margaret L. Sweatt
In a sunlit room, where gentle rays filter through lace curtains, the essence of a well-to-do Dutch family quietly unfolds. The walls hum with the stories of their lives, painted in soft hues of prosperity and contentment. In this artwork by Pieter de Hooch, we find ourselves immersed in a contemporary domestic scene, a window into the values of an increasingly affluent Dutch middle class.
The mistress of the house stands at the forefront, her presence commanding yet warm. Clad in rich fabrics, kissed by the elegance of baroque pearls that catch the light, she radiates an air of sophistication. With a smile, she greets a shopkeeper who carries in his arms a bundle of fresh white asparagus— a prized delicacy that speaks to their tastes and social standing. Imagine the crisp sound of the vegetable as it gently clinks against the woven basket, a symbol of the family's refined palate.
Her husband, not far from her, is wrapped in the vibrant folds of a red kimono, his attire a tapestry of stories woven from distant shores. This garment whispers of the Dutch East India Trading Company's ventures, bringing the rich culture of Japan to their doorstep. It’s as if the fabric itself holds echoes of the sea and whispers of trade routes long traveled.
Behind them looms a large kast, or wardrobe, a guardian of their possessions, draped in a sheet. The covering is a subtle reminder of their care; they protect their fine furniture from the inevitable scratches that life could impose. Each detail of this scene intertwines beautifully, forming a narrative where wealth is not just seen, but felt—a visual poem celebrating the beauty of an everyday moment in a life of comfort and grace.
In this serene tableau, Hooch invites us not only to witness the elegance of their world but also to reflect on the simple joys that come with togetherness and the comforts of home. The painting resonates like a gentle lullaby, reminding us of the peace that lies in the richness of family life.
About the artist
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