Maris, Jacob – Achterplaatsje, 1862 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The composition presents a courtyard scene, bathed in a muted, diffused light that suggests late afternoon or early evening. A young girl stands near an arched doorway, her posture suggesting quiet contemplation or perhaps a touch of melancholy. She is dressed in simple, practical clothing – a brown jacket over what appears to be a white shirt – and holds a ball of yarn loosely in her hands. Her gaze is directed towards the interior space beyond the archway, seemingly lost in thought.
The immediate foreground is cluttered with domestic objects: a large cooking pot sits prominently on the cobblestone ground, surrounded by vegetables – leeks, carrots, and other root crops – and various kitchen utensils including a metal jug and several plates. These items are rendered with a degree of realism that emphasizes their materiality and everyday function. The arrangement feels less staged than casually left after use.
To the left, a section of weathered brick wall is partially obscured by a tree branch, creating a sense of enclosure and hinting at an overgrown garden beyond. A tiled ledge runs along this wall, supporting more kitchenware – a copper pot and other metallic objects – further reinforcing the domestic setting. The rough texture of the bricks contrasts with the smoother surfaces of the metal objects, adding visual interest to the scene.
The archway itself is a focal point. It frames a darker interior space where a figure can be vaguely discerned through a window; this individual’s form is indistinct, contributing to an atmosphere of mystery and suggesting a life beyond the immediate courtyard. The light emanating from within highlights the depth of the space and draws the viewers eye into the unknown.
The painting evokes a sense of quiet domesticity and understated realism. There is a subtle narrative quality – the girl’s posture and gaze invite speculation about her thoughts and circumstances. The presence of the vegetables and cooking pot suggests a simple, rural existence, while the slightly dilapidated state of the buildings hints at a certain weariness or passage of time. The overall effect is one of gentle observation, capturing a fleeting moment in an ordinary life.