Cornelius Troost

The Artist’s Studio is the work of one of the most famous Dutch artists of the 18th century, Cornelis Troost. This work can be interpreted on several levels: a reflection on the artist and his craft, a family portrait in the ‘Conversation Piece’ genre (in the style of Hogarth), and finally an allegory of the five senses. The composition centres on the artist himself, in the process of painting a portrait of a couple, creating a mise en abyme of a portrait within a portrait. The parents are accompanied by their children, captured in natural poses. The shimmering, luxurious gowns of the female figures brighten the scene and contrast with the harmonious shades of brown and ochre. Certain details highlight the artist’s social success: behind the painting, a bookcase can be seen; to the right, a servant is serving a drink; and finally, the door opens onto a stairwell whose walls are adorned with rich decorations. The representation of the five senses, developed by Aristotle (whose bust is no doubt visible in the bookcase), is illustrated in the details: the trumpet held by the child evokes hearing; the pug at the foot of the chair, touch; smell is found in the flowers held by the other little girl; taste is symbolised by the chocolate poured into the cups; and finally, the painting of the couple and the painter watching them represents sight, an essential sense for the artist.

This translation has been automatically generated by DeepL.