A Young Astronomer
- Artist: Olivier van Deuren
- Date: about 1685
- Medium: oil on wood
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is "A Young Astronomer" painted in the Netherlands by Olivier van Deuren around 1685. The young stargazer sits at his desk, looking quizzical as he examines a celestial globe with northern and zodiacal constellations marked on it. He's surrounded by books of astronomical charts, a notebook, and an inkpot, ready to record his observations. But what strikes me is the look on his face - fascination mixed with apprehension. He's not just studying the stars; he's wondering if his own fate is written among them.
Van Deuren was a Dutch painter who studied under three significant masters, but very little is known about him. This painting shows figures in interiors, and it's no exception to that theme. The young astronomer is lost in thought, oblivious to our presence, as he contemplates the mysteries of the universe. It's not just about discovering new stars and planets; he's also wondering what lies beyond them, where science meets the unknown.
The painting has a slightly mystical edge to it, which I think adds to its enigmatic quality. The celestial globe and instruments on his desk evoke a sense of scientific inquiry, but the zodiacal symbol of Leo reminds us that in the 17th century, people still believed celestial bodies influenced human lives. It's a captivating piece that invites us to step into the world of the young astronomer and explore the mysteries of the universe alongside him.
See it in person
A Young Astronomer hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
