The artwork titled “Courtyard of a House in Delft” is an oil on canvas painting by Pieter de Hooch, created in 1658. It belongs to the Baroque art movement and is classified as a cityscape genre. The dimensions of the artwork are 60 x 73.5 cm, and it is housed in the National Gallery in London, UK.
In the artwork, Pieter de Hooch depicts a serene scene within the courtyard of a house in Delft. The composition’s focal point is the interaction between a woman and a child, positioned to the right of the canvas beneath a rustic wooden structure. The woman appears engaged in a domestic activity, possibly handing an object to the child. To the left, through an archway constructed of bricks with red and white accents, another figure dressed in darker garments stands further back in the courtyard, partially turning her back to the viewer.
A rich play of light and shadow enhances the depth, illuminating the bricks’ various textures and the intricate details of the courtyard. The sky is visible overhead, bringing a natural luminosity to the scene. The inclusion of everyday objects such as a broom and a wooden bucket on the ground further emphasizes de Hooch’s focus on domestic realism. A sense of everyday tranquility and intimate interaction is captured masterfully in this quintessential Baroque artwork.
