Van de Velde’s reputation is now based on his naturalistic landscape. But he was in demand among the affluent Amsterdam community, for whom he painted many scenes of their parties, especially garden parties, of which An Elegant Company in a Garden is an exemplar.
The Boston Museum of Fine Arts’s title is misleading. There is no garden here. The situation is an open area set off beneath some trees and sheltered by a large cloth. To the side of the dining table is a display of plates and other items, suggesting that this party might be an outdoor salesroom masquerading as a picnic.
Featured Image: Boston Museum of Fine Arts