By Lamplight. (1890) Harriet Backer (1845-1933)

The composition presents a domestic interior bathed in the subdued glow of lamplight. A solitary figure sits at a table positioned near a window, absorbed in reading. The room itself appears modest and functional; its walls are rendered in muted blues and greens, suggesting a sense of enclosure and quietude.
A substantial stove dominates the left side of the scene, providing warmth and an additional source of light that casts flickering shadows across the wall paneling decorated with geometric patterns. A wooden chair stands adjacent to the stove, also illuminated by the lamplight. The window is draped with simple curtains, partially obscuring the view beyond and contributing to the overall feeling of seclusion.
The artist’s use of color reinforces this atmosphere. The cool tones of the walls contrast with the warmer hues emanating from the lamps, creating a visual focus on the reading figure and the immediate vicinity. The limited palette contributes to a sense of melancholy and introspection.
Here we see an emphasis on the quiet moments of individual contemplation. The solitary nature of the scene suggests themes of solitude, study, or perhaps even a longing for connection. The act of reading itself implies intellectual pursuit and escape from the external world. The overall impression is one of stillness and reflection, inviting the viewer to share in the figure’s private moment.
The paintings composition directs attention towards the individual engaged with their studies, suggesting an appreciation for the value of knowledge and introspection within a humble setting. It evokes a sense of intimacy and invites contemplation on the simple pleasures found within domesticity.