Interior of the Oude Kerk, Delft
Emanuel de Witte·c. 1680
Historical Context
Emanuel de Witte was the foremost painter of church interiors in the Dutch Golden Age, and this view of the Oude Kerk in Delft demonstrates his mastery of architectural space and atmospheric light. Unlike the more precise perspectives of Pieter Saenredam, de Witte took artistic liberties with architecture to enhance dramatic effect. The Oude Kerk, Delft's oldest church, was also where Johannes Vermeer was buried in 1675.
Technical Analysis
De Witte's oil-on-panel technique creates striking contrasts between the bright shafts of light entering through windows and the deep shadows of the nave. The loose, confident brushwork animates the architectural surfaces while small figures provide scale and narrative interest.
Provenance
Gebruder Douwes, Amsterdam [according to Manke 1963]. Karl Haberstock, Berlin [according to email of July 15, 2002 from Lynda McLoed, Christie’s, Haberstock was the consignor of lot 71 at the sale cited below]; sold, Christie’s London, 12 July 1935, lot. 71 for 126 pounds to Charles Duits [see email cited above; though no Christie’s stencil (which would be 137 GC), is now visible, the identity of the picture with lot 71, suspected by Manke 1963, is confirmed by the Duits stockcard at the Getty Research Institute Library, email of July 12, 2002 from Mark Henderson]; sold by W. E. Duits Ltd. to Charles Worcester, Chicago, 1 October 1935 [Duits stockcard cited above]; given to the Art Institute, 1941.
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