‘It is good candles which light the way’ — History & Facts
In ‘It is good candles which light the way’, Jacob Jordaens uses a warm color palette dominated by rich browns and soft yellows. The scene depicts a lively gathering, likely in a domestic setting, where figures are engaged in conversation. The characters are dressed in period clothing, adding authenticity to the portrayal.
Candlelight flickers, creating a cozy atmosphere that invites viewers into the moment. The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a common medium for the Baroque period, which allows for rich textures and depth. Jordaens’ technique showcases his ability to capture light and shadow, enhancing the three-dimensionality of the figures. The composition is dynamic, with figures arranged in a way that draws the viewer's eye throughout the scene.
This work exemplifies Jordaens’ skill in depicting human emotion and interaction. Jacob Jordaens was a prominent Flemish painter of the Baroque period, known for his vibrant genre scenes. This particular work, ‘It is good candles which light the way’, reflects the warmth of domestic life and the importance of community. Interestingly, Jordaens often included his family members as models, which adds a personal touch to his works.
His art remains celebrated for its lively compositions and rich storytelling.
More Artworks by Jacob Jordaens

The Temptation of the Magdalene
Jacob Jordaens

The Daughters of Cecrops Finding the Child Erichthonius
Jacob Jordaens

The Entombment
Jacob Jordaens

Moses Striking Water from the Rock
Jacob Jordaens

Portrait of Rogier Le Witer
Jacob Jordaens

Portrait of the artist
Jacob Jordaens

King Candaules of Lydia Showing his Wife to Gyges
Jacob Jordaens

A Bearded Man And a Woman With a Parrot; ‘unrequited Love’
Jacob Jordaens

An academy of a male nude seated
Jacob Jordaens

Christ Healing the Paralytic
Jacob Jordaens
More Genre Scene Art

Banquet of the Officers of the St George Civic Guard
Frans Hals

Rembrandt and Saskia in the Scene of the Prodigal Son
Rembrandt van Rijn

Bal du moulin de la Galette
Pierre-Auguste Renoir

Quadrille at the Moulin Rouge
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec

A Burial at Ornans
Gustave Courbet

When Will You Marry?
Paul Gauguin
