Title of the painting: Messe in einer Dorfkirche 18 Jh (Mass in a Village Church, 18th Century)

Name of the artist: Unknown artist

Date: 18th century

Description: German, late 18th century. Holy Mass in a village church. Oil on canvas. Inscribed on the reverse with a brush: ‘No. 40. From an unknown master purchased from Mr. …stenrad’. 40 x 62 cm.

Visual description: An 18th-century oil painting by an unknown artist depicting a humble Low Mass celebrated in a rustic, dilapidated village church. The priest, wearing vestments, stands at a simple altar adorned with a painting of the Madonna and Child. He is attended by a monk or friar. The congregation consists of peasants in rough clothing kneeling on the stone floor, accompanied by several dogs wandering freely in the nave. The atmosphere is somber with earthy tones, highlighting the poverty and piety of the rural setting.

License: Public Domain / See here

Source: Wikimedia