Three Men examining an Antique Head by Candlelight
manner of Gerrit van Honthorst (Utrecht 1590 – Utrecht 1656)
Category
Art / Oil paintings
Date
1600 - 1699
Materials
Oil on panel
Measurements
780 x 980 mm
Order this imageCollection
Blickling Hall, Norfolk
NT 355569
Caption
This type of painting, with dramatic light effects, became popular throughout Europe in the seventeenth century. Caravaggio’s use of extremes of light and shade influenced artists as far afield as Northern Europe. This painting was described by the art historian, Ben Nicolson, as “a silly picture” of the eighteenth century. However, even in an inventory of 1793, this was called ‘an old painting’, and it is not without artistic merit. The marble head is possibly that of the Emperor Vitellius.
Summary
Oil painting on panel, Three Men examining an Antique Head by Candlelight in the manner of Gerrit van Honthorst (Utrecht 1590 – Utrecht 1656), 17th century. Three half-length figures seated round a table on which is a marble head and some books. The head appears to be that known as the Emperor Vitellius, a byword for viciousness and gluttony. The two figures on the right are derived from one model. The figure on the left may be a self-portrait. Gilt label on frame '16-4 Honthorst 16-6'.
Provenance
Bequeathed with the hall and contents by Philip,11th Marquess of Lothian (1882-1940)
Credit line
Blickling Hall, The Lothian Collection (National Trust)
Makers and roles
manner of Gerrit van Honthorst (Utrecht 1590 – Utrecht 1656), artist