Lighting in "Supper Party" by van Honthorst

Gerrit van Honthorst's oil painting, Supper Party (c. 1619) uses two sources of candlelight. It is dramatic, creating the prominent, dark man in the foreground, as well as the heavily shadowed woman tilting her head back. It warmly, but softly illuminates the laughing party-goers, communicating a friendly scene. The multiple sources of light indicate a movement, mirroring the movement of laughter and conversation, fitting of a lively dinner party.