Gillis van Tilborch Brussels 1625 - 1678

Private collection, Belgium, from whom purchased by Johnny van Haeften Ltd.

Children of varying ages are gathered in this classroom, under the supervision of a single master who stands at a tall desk in the center of the back room.  In addition to being a rare and superb example of Gillis van Tilborch's work, this picture has exceptional documentary value, affording us the opportunity to catch a glimpse of daily life in a school in 17^th century Brussels, where the artist lived.  One particularly interesting detail is the sheet of paper above the chimney, on which we can discern a pencil sketch of a woman seen in profile.  It is very likely that it was used for a drawing lesson shortly before the moment Tilborch chose to represent the busy classroom.  One of Gillis van Tilborch's most distinctive features is the originality and sensitivity of his coloring, sometimes said to be reminiscent of David Teniers the Younger: in this picture, warm, saturated reds and oranges contrast with the predominantly cooler neutral tones.  No other picture featuring this theme is known to have been painted by the artist.