A Copy after a Painting Traditionally Attributed to Van Dyck of Two Monks Reading Thomas Gainsborough (1727-1788)

The composition presents two male figures, closely positioned and rendered in a manner suggestive of a portrait study or preparatory sketch. Both individuals are depicted from the chest upwards, their faces dominating the frame. They appear to be monks, identifiable by their tonsured heads and dark brown habits. The artist has focused intently on capturing their facial features, emphasizing age and introspection through detailed rendering of wrinkles, stubble, and furrowed brows.
The figures’ gazes are directed downwards, seemingly absorbed in a shared activity – the perusal of an open book held between them at the lower center of the image. The light source is positioned to the left, illuminating their faces with a warm glow while casting deep shadows that accentuate the contours and textures of their skin and garments. This chiaroscuro effect contributes significantly to the overall mood of solemnity and quiet contemplation.
The background is rendered in muted browns and ochres, providing minimal distraction from the central figures. The brushwork appears loose and expressive, particularly evident in the rendering of the habits, which lack precise detail and seem almost absorbed into the surrounding darkness. This technique lends a sense of immediacy and spontaneity to the work.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of two monks reading, several subtexts emerge. The close proximity of the figures suggests a shared intellectual or spiritual pursuit, hinting at companionship and mutual understanding within their religious order. Their expressions convey a profound seriousness; it is not merely a casual act of reading but rather an engagement with something weighty and significant. The aged appearance of the men implies experience and wisdom gained through years of study and devotion.
The copyist’s skill in replicating the original works style reveals an appreciation for its qualities – particularly the emphasis on psychological depth and the skillful use of light to create atmosphere. While lacking the definitive polish of a finished piece, this rendition retains the essence of the source material, offering a glimpse into the contemplative lives of these religious figures.