Post 202 -by Gautam Shah
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SUNDAY Feature on ART of Architecture
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Gerard Houckgeest (1600-1661) was a Dutch Golden Age painter of architectural scenes and church interiors. He executed real and imaginary interiors and decorative renaissance buildings. He probably studied under the architect and painter Bartholomeus van Bassen in his native town of the Hague. Houckgeest painting had a spontaneous, natural look. The contrast in style among the first works and those painted in Delft, is so great that some elusive external influence was the cause.
He was able to convey the most subtle nuances of daylight as it filters through glass windows high above and plays upon the austere architectural features of Delft's two historic churches. His depicted the tonal values that often downplayed the texture, shape, details, colours (as if in BW pictures) and even subject-matter. The preference for tonality placed him at different level than traditional chiaroscuro painting in the treatment of shadows. He had preference for sombre browns and reds.
He was fascinated by huge columns, pilasters and geometrically patterned floors. He exploited these to create a sense extensive interior space. He was master of diagonal perspective compared with nominal lengthwise or transverse views and scenes at oblique angles. This style set him apart from others in Europe.
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