The monumental painting of St Paul is a typical work by Lievens from the period in Leiden when he worked closely with Rembrandt. Similarities with Rembrandt's paintings from the same time, around 1627-1629, can be seen in both subject and composition, but also in the way Lievens uses light. This painting is an example, with the subject of the apostle in half-length, the powerful use of light and shadow, with a light source illuminating the scene from the left, and the realistic, empathetic rendering of St Paul's wrinkled face and hands. St Paul is portrayed by Lievens as a learned old man deep in thought while writing on in a large open book.
Jan Lievens (Leiden, 24 October 1607 - Amsterdam, 4 June 1674) was a Dutch painter and draughtsman who worked closely with Rembrandt van Rijn in his younger years. Stadholder Maurits van Nassau, prince of Orange, bought a life-size painting by Lievens around 1620, depicting a man reading by the light of burning peat. Through the English ambassador, the work came to King James I of England. As a result, he was invited to join the English court at the age of 31.
Art for sale. Shop with photos and art as wall decoration. Posters, metal (aluminium or steel), glass, canvas, photo print, wood, framed, canvas, photo wallpaper or garden canvas.
The collection of wall decoration or wall decorations is very broad, from nature through..
Read more…