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Probably by Jacob van Oost the Elder, 'Two Boys before an Easel', about 1645

About the work

Overview

Two boys stand in front of a large picture displayed on a wooden easel. The snub-nosed child on the right leans over to study the drawing more closely, while the other turns, frowning slightly, to look at something out of view. The central figure is quite possibly a self portrait by the artist. He holds a board with a blank sheet of paper on, perhaps in anticipation of making a sketch after the work, or to start another.

The monochrome drawing depicts an episode from story of Gideon, as told in the Old Testament (Judges 7: 5–6). God advised Gideon, a military leader, to select his army by asking the men to drink water from a pool. Those who lapped the water with their tongues like dogs were the chosen ones, and would help Gideon secure victory over the Midianites.

Key facts

Details

Full title
Two Boys before an Easel
Artist
Probably by Jacob van Oost the Elder
Artist dates
1601 - 1671
Date made
about 1645
Medium and support
oil on canvas
Dimensions
56.5 × 58.7 cm
Acquisition credit
Presented by Sir Henry Howorth through the Art Fund in memory of Lady Howorth, 1922.
Inventory number
NG3649
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Previous owners

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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