Image Gallery: Radiant Darkness

Radiant Darkness: The Art of Nocturnal Light, on view at the J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, California (April 24-July 22, 2007), explores the depiction of light penetrating darkness. While this is an everyday occurrence in real life, successfully drawing or painting a single light source illuminating an otherwise darkened area requires no small degree of technical skill. Caravaggio and Rembrandt both knew this for a fact: properly done, the portrayal of nocturnal light is unmatched for (1) dramatic effect and (2) showcasing the expertise of the artist.

In this special exhibition image gallery, Stan Parchin has selected three of the 21 works included in Radiant Darkness... and given them his rapt attention. He tells us whether we are looking at divine light, candlelight, firelight or moonlight (the four themes of the exhibition) and further expounds on the stories behind and symbolism within each piece. Please enjoy the image gallery. Thank you, Stan.

Image credit:

Gerrit Dou (Dutch, 1613-1675)
Astronomer by Candlelight, late 1650s
Oil on panel
32 x 21.2 cm (12 5/8 x 8 3/8 in.)
86.PB.732
© The J. Paul Getty Museum