After Jacob de Gheyn III, 'Saint Paul seated reading', about 1620
| Full title | Saint Paul seated reading |
|---|---|
| Artist | After Jacob de Gheyn III |
| Artist dates | about 1596 - 1641 |
| Date made | about 1620 |
| Medium and support | oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 120.2 × 96.8 cm |
| Acquisition credit | Bought, 1921 |
| Inventory number | NG3590 |
| Location | Not on display |
| Collection | Main Collection |
Jacob de Gheyn III learned painting and engraving from his father, Jacob de Gheyn II. It’s unclear if this painting is a copy after de Gheyn III’s etching of the same subject, or if the painting was made first. A preparatory drawing (Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest) depicts Paul in reverse.
In both etching and drawing, the foreground extends further than in the painting, and the tip of the sword protrudes over a ledge. The engraved Saint Paul is a companion piece to an engraving of Saint Peter: the two apostles face each other. In both painting and print, Paul’s attributes are a book – the bespectacled saint is reading what is likely to be the Gospel of Christ – and a sword, symbolising his martyrdom.
Jacob de Gheyn III was not as prolific as his father. He became a collector and had his portrait painted by the young Rembrandt (Dulwich Picture Gallery, London), whose paintings he owned.
Jacob de Gheyn III learned painting and engraving from his father, Jacob de Gheyn II. It’s unclear if this painting is a copy after de Gheyn III’s etching of the same subject, or if the painting was made first. A preparatory drawing (Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest) depicts Saint Paul in reverse.
In both etching and drawing, the foreground extends further than in the painting, and the tip of the sword protrudes over a ledge. The engraved Saint Paul is a companion piece to an engraving of Saint Peter: the two apostles face each other. In both painting and print, Paul’s attributes are a book – the bespectacled saint is reading what is likely to be the Gospel of Christ – and a sword, symbolising his martyrdom.
Jacob de Gheyn III was not as prolific as his father. He became a collector and had his portrait painted by the young Rembrandt (Dulwich Picture Gallery, London), whose paintings he owned.
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