Big Brother Playing (1890)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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"Big Brother Playing," created by Harriet Backer in 1890, captures an intimate family scene illuminated by the warm glow of lamplight. This evocative painting features a young boy, engrossed in playing a piano. His back is towards us, offering a feeling of inclusion into this private concert. Opposite him stands his younger sister, clad in a soft purple dress, watching her brother with admiration and curiosity. Her pose and expression reflect a mixture of awe and learning, as she perhaps dreams of the day she will play just as beautifully.The room is painted with rich, textured strokes that suggest a cozy domestic setting. A shelf bearing a flower pot and books adds to the homely atmosphere, while the gentle lighting from hanging lamps cast serene highlights on the piano and its players, creating a serene tableau.Harriet Backer, known for her detailed interiors and the soft light portrayal in her works, beautifully uses light to not only illuminate but also to enhance and define the mood of her subjects.
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Harriet Backer (21 January 1845 – 25 March 1932) was a Norwegian painter who achieved recognition in her own time and was a pioneer among female artists both in the Nordic countries and in Europe generally. She is best known for her detailed interior scenes, communicated with rich colors and the interplay of light and shadow.