“A Kitchen Maid” is a painting by Anders Zorn created in 1919. Zorn, known for his realistic portrayals, executed this work in oil on canvas, aligning with the Realism art movement. As a genre, it falls into the category of a portrait, and as of the last information available, it is held in a private collection.
The artwork vividly captures the figure of a kitchen maid in a candid moment. She is depicted in a mostly white outfit that reflects her occupation, with a simple white cap covering her hair. The maid’s expression is one of focused attention, perhaps caught in a brief pause during her daily activities. Her cheeks are flushed, suggesting her active movement or the warmth of the kitchen environment. She is engaged with a metal pail which she holds with one hand, and she seems to be steadying or lifting it. The brushwork captures the play of light and shadow on her dress and skin while maintaining an impressionistic softness. The room around her is suggested with minimal detail, keeping the focus on the subject herself. The painting is a fine example of Zorn’s skill in capturing the essence of everyday life and his subjects’ character with a sense of immediacy and realism.
