2680 - Laquy Willem Joseph

Laquy Willem Joseph 1738 Brühl – 1798 Kleve Interior with Family and Maid Oil on oak Signed in the center left on the windowsill: Laquy pinx Framed 40.5 × 51 cm Private collection, Switzerland The painting on offer follows in the tradition of Dutch-influenced genre painting, which depicts everyday situations with precise observation and narrative richness. It offers a peaceful glimpse into 18th-century domestic life: in this richly detailed interior, Willem Joseph Laquy unfolds a small, narratively dense world in which family comfort, daily chores, and moments of pleasure blend into an idyllic scene. In the center sits a woman dressed in white, her foot comfortably resting on a stool, a large sewing cushion on her lap. The large pair of scissors lying on the table next to her, together with the tall laundry basket, suggest that she had just been busy with mending. Her casually discarded slipper underscores the relaxed atmosphere. Behind her, a gentleman in a blue-green coat leans against the back of a chair. His familiar proximity suggests that he is her husband. On the right, a maid approaches, presenting a plate with three fish. The gazes of the three figures converge on the fresh catch, which becomes the quiet focal point of the scene. On the left, a contented baby lies in a wicker cradle, while in the foreground a dog leaps up excitedly. Standing in the doorway is a sprightly gentleman—presumably the fisherman—wearing a hat and holding a basket and a walking stick, drinking from a large glass. Hanging on the back wall are a pendulum clock and a large map bearing the name Munster. Above the door, a painting of cows complements the domestic décor. Light streams in from the left through leaded-glass windows, bathing the figures and objects in a warm, tranquil atmosphere. The wealth of detail lends the painting its special charm. Laquy not only depicts a household in great detail but also creates a multifaceted picture of bourgeois life, in which family, work, provision, and socializing naturally intertwine. At the same time, the composition invites the viewer to look beyond the idyll in search of a deeper meaning. Could the three fish on the plate be more than just a meal? The fish is one of the oldest Christian symbols and can refer to Christ, divine providence, and the community of believers. The book on the table could also be interpreted as a reference to piety and domestic virtue. Similarly, the pendulum clock can be interpreted as a reminder of the passing of time, and the peacefully sheltered child as a symbol of familial continuity. It is precisely this balance between a precise depiction of everyday life and a possible allegory that gives the painting its appeal. Auction Date: November 28, 2026 Approximate Auction Time: 9:43 a.m. CET