Interior, Sunlight on the Floor

Vilhelm Hammershøi (1864–1916) is known for his subdued portraits and meditative interiors which record the details of his everyday life. William Rothenstein (1872–1945) was similarly concerned with portraying domestic environments. In his portraits of family and friends, he gives the surrounding spaces as much attention as the figures. Both artists took great care in accurately portraying light, from the highlights on the figures’ hair, skin and clothing in Rothenstein’s paintings to the effects of light and shadow on the walls and floor of Hammershøi’s home.