In this scene of remarkable sobriety, Janssens Elinga elevates a simple domestic task to the level of pictorial meditation.
The Dutch interior, bathed in soft light filtering through latticed windows, is constructed as an exercise in pure geometry. The woman, seen from behind in her blue dress and brown bodice, becomes the focal point of a rigorously orchestrated composition. The checkered floor, vertical lines of windows and doors, and touches of red in the chairs create a perfect mathematical harmony. A fascinating detail: the mirror on the wall furtively reveals the sweeper’s face, recalling the tradition of hidden self-portraits among Flemish masters.
Additional Information
- The Sweeper by Pieter Janssens Elinga, c. 1670
- 60 x 58.5 cm
- Paris Museums, Petit Palais, Museum of Fine Arts of the City of Paris, displayed on the Ground Floor, Room 26
- https://www.parismuseescollections.paris.fr/fr/petit-palais/oeuvres/la-balayeuse
Pieter Janssens Elinga (1623-1682) is one of the most enigmatic artists of the Dutch Golden Age. Long confused with Pieter de Hooch, he developed a unique style characterized by an obsession with geometry and light. His interiors, rare and precious, are distinguished by their rigorous mathematical construction and contemplative atmosphere. His fascination with perspectives and plays of light reflects his era’s interest in optics and geometry. Each of his meticulously composed works transforms the banality of daily life into an almost metaphysical experience.
