Young Woman Holding a Distaff

1630 · Private collection

genre

This painting depicting a young woman holding a distaff before a lit candle is emblematic of the refined and dramatic nocturnes that form the small catalogue of works by Adam de Coster. The glow of a single flame illuminates the various rich fabrics and delicate features of a young woman set against a dark background. Vivid shadows cast throughout the composition define her engaging visage as well as the patterned details of her sleeve, the tufts of fur that line her robe, and the wispy tendrils of the distaff she holds near the candle.

About the Artist

Adam de Coster

1586 – 1643

Flemish painter. Little is known about his life and training. He became a master in the Guild of Saint Luke in Antwerp in 1607; it is assumed that he travelled to Italy in his formative years. Here he would have been in touch with the works of Caravaggio and his followers, which would have such an important influence on his style and subject matter. De Coster had strong personal ties with Italy as some of his close relatives emigrated to Italy where they worked as painters. He spent his active career in Antwerp where he seems to have enjoyed a high reputation as a prominent member of the Antwerp Caravaggisti. He is mainly known for his genre scenes with strong chiaroscuro effects. He was called a Pictor Noctium, i.e. a 'Painter of Nights' because of his preference for tenebrist scenes.

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