Inneres einer gotischen Kirche mit nächtlicher Messe,

1657

Material / Technology / Carrier

Kupfer

Dimensions of the object

12,3 x 16,3 cm

Displayed

Not on display

Department

Flämische Malerei

Genre

Malerei

Inventory number

6475

Acquisition

Aus der Schlossgalerie Aschaffenburg; kurmainzische Galerie

Stock

Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Staatsgalerie im Schloss Johannisburg Aschaffenburg

Citation

Pieter Neeffs d. Ä., Inneres einer gotischen Kirche mit nächtlicher Messe, 1657, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen - Staatsgalerie im Schloss Johannisburg Aschaffenburg, URL: https://www.sammlung.pinakothek.de/en/artwork/y7GE6RO4PV (Last updated on 14.09.2023)

Depictions of church interiors by night were very popular in Netherlandish painting because they were considered proof of special skill. Only a few light sources penetrate the darkness, allowing individual architectonic details to emerge. A light source in the area of the choir elucidates the dimensions of the space; candles and torches highlight altars, organs, and epitaphs. Light sources with intensity creating different effects and emphasising the variety of Gothic architecture were consciously chosen. The interiors are painted on copper, which highlights the fineness and brilliance of the painting. Pieter Neefs the Elder is one of the painters who specialised in nocturnal church interiors.