Going for a walk

"Going for a Walk" is a captivating oil on canvas painting by the esteemed Dutch artist Pieter de Hooch, a prominent figure of the Dutch Golden Age. This masterpiece is proudly displayed at the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Strasbourg.

The painting exquisitely captures a moment in time, portraying a couple leisurely strolling through a grand vestibule adorned in a late Renaissance pseudo-antique style. The scene is replete with intricate details: the couple's attire reflects the fashion of the era, and the setting is enhanced by columns and pilasters. Adding to the charm, the composition includes a dog, a nursemaid with a little girl, and various decorative elements that infuse vitality into the scene.

This artwork was meticulously documented by art historian Hofstede de Groot in 1908. Over the years, it was part of Howard Galton's collection before eventually finding its home in the Strasbourg Gallery.

Interestingly, the painting's setting is believed to be the main hall of the Amsterdam City Hall, now known as the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. It features a relief by Artus Quellinus depicting Mercury and includes circular floor tiles resembling a world map. Pieter de Hooch, renowned for his detailed interior scenes, created other works that also showcase the interiors of the City Hall.