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Downstairs X


Bedstede in the kitchen

The next one in the Downstairs series depicts the very Dutch historic interior of the sleeping place located in the corner of the kitchen in the gorgeous house of the Menkemaborg estate.  This "closet bed" was very common in the Netherlands until the early 20th century. In fact, even our own old house has those closets, too.  

These particular closet beds provided living space for the kitchen servants right at the workplace, which was quite practical and economical during those times. 

If you are interested in learning more about these beds, you can check out the Box bed on Wikipedia.

During my visit to this house, I was mesmerized by the afternoon light streaming in from the small windows and illuminating the vivid red wooden closet wall and the huge oak beam. That effect I've now attempted to capture in this painting.  
    
Oil on canvas 30 x 40 cm, alla prima, limited palette.

View the finished painting in my gallery.


Exhibitions:
- Driedaagse Expo at Het Stalhuus. June 2025, Hollum


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