Johannes Rosierse (Dutch, 1818-1901)

This is a particularly fine example of the work of Johannes Rosierse, who is best known for his paintings of figures by lamplight or candlelight, many of which are exhibited in Dutch public collections. In this picture the light of the gas-lit lamp casts a warm glow on the family, who are gathered around a table set for coffee. The figure of a maid standing in the doorway, outlined by the light of a single candle, is a recurring motif in Rosierse's oeuvre.

Rosierse was born, lived and died in Dordrecht. He was inspired and influenced by the work of an earlier Dordrecht painter, Godfried Schalcken (1643-1706), who is admired for his dexterity in reproducing the effects of candlelight.

However, by the inclusion of a gas-lit lamp as the central focal point of the composition, Rosierse has elaborated on the example set by Schalcken and made the scene contemporary. This picture shows the artist's mastery of producing the effect of artificial light as well as candlelight.