Testing Eggs. Interior of a Kitchen

Pehr Hilleström d.ä. (1732 - 1816)

Artist/Maker

Artist: Pehr Hilleström d.ä. (1732 - 1816)

Material / Technique

Oil on wood

Dimensionsh x w: Mått 39 x 32 cm h x w x d: Ram 53 x 47 x 6 cm

Inventory numberNM 1110

AcqusitionPurchase 1870

Other titlesTitle (sv): Äggprovet. Köksinteriör. Title (en): Testing Eggs. Interior of a Kitchen

DescriptionDescription: A matron holds an egg against the light to ensure that there is no embryo in it, i e that that it is not fertilised and so appropriate for preserving. By portraying this household task, known as candling eggs, in which light plays a central role, the artist can create a striking scene in a quotidian setting. He suggestively captures the porcelain tureens and brass mortars and how they reflect the light from below.

Exhibited

Nationalmuseum -> Room 1603 18th century

Collection

Paintings (Paintings)

MaterialOil paint, Wood

TechniquePainting

Keyword

Scen

External links

Wikidata: http://www.wikidata.org/entity/Q18573650

Additional texteDescription: Hilleström frequently painted scenes from Swedish 18th century kitchens. These pictures serve as excellent examples of his firelight paintings – hidden sources of lighting illuminate the dusky kitchens and create dramatic effects. In all these paintings, something is going on – eggs are being inspected, copper cauldrons lifted and meals prepared. In one painting the vessels, baskets and dead birds are arranged in the foreground like a still-life.