Jan Lievens

(Leiden 1607 - 1674 Amsterdam)

Christ at the column

Panel, 106.5 x 74 cm

Monogrammed: 'I.L.'

This life-size depiction of Christ at the column is one of earliest works by Jan Lievens, described in 1641 by the Leiden chronicler Jan Orlers as a wunderkind. Rembrandt and Lievens were close friends in the years 1624/25-31 - before Rembrandt moved to Amsterdam and Lievens departed for England - and they competed with one another in their striving for stylistic and technical innovation. The picture was executed around 1625-27, at a time when Lievens´ work served as a model for the less experienced Rembrandt and there was not yet any sign of influence in the opposite direction.