Bernhard Keil, called Monsù Bernardo Helsingör 1624 - 1687 Rome

Keil is known to have often included allegorical meanings in his genre scenes (see catalogue note for lot 298).  This picture, which features four figures in an interior gathered around a brazier, may allude to the various stages of a woman's life: childhood, youth, maturity and old age.  The dark background allows the artist to place the figures in a dramatic light, which adds to their iconic and dramatic qualities.