Oude vrouw bekijkt munten 1670 - 1733

This is a monochromatic artwork by Thomas van der Wilt, titled 'Old Woman Examining Coins'. The visual field is immediately dominated by stark contrasts of light and shadow. We see a hunched figure illuminated by the glow of a lantern. The artist masterfully manipulates light to draw our eye to the old woman's face and the coins in her hand. This meticulous attention to detail and the use of light to create depth are reminiscent of the chiaroscuro technique, but here, it's applied not merely for aesthetic effect but to delve into themes of value and perception. The artwork invites us to reflect on the act of seeing and valuing. Is the lantern's light revealing true worth, or is it merely casting shadows of illusion? This ambiguity encourages us to question the established meanings of wealth and the subjective nature of perception.