An Interior with Three Women and a Seated Man
- Artist: Pietro Longhi
- Date: probably 1750-5
- Medium: oil on canvas
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the "An Interior with Three Women and a Seated Man" by Pietro Longhi, painted in the Italian north. It's one of those small-scale paintings that he was known for, giving us a glimpse into the lives of middle-class Venetians.
In this scene, we see an elegant room where a servant is handing a plate of food and a spoon to a seated man. Standing nearby are two young women dressed in beautiful gowns, who seem to be holding hands and pointing out towards the seated gentleman. Prominently displayed on the wall behind them is an engraved portrait by Andrea Zucchi.
This painting has been interpreted as possibly showing an act of charity, with the old man in need of a meal being cared for by his benefactors. The scene could even be set in the Palazzo Sagredo, the family home of Gerardo Sagredo, who was a prominent figure in Venice. His two daughters might be the young women depicted here.
Painted around 1750-5, this work showcases Longhi's ability to capture the nuances of Venetian society during that time.
See it in person
An Interior with Three Women and a Seated Man 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.
