Gerard van Honthorst: 7 works

'As was customary for promising Dutch painters in the 1600s, Gerrit van Honthorst traveled to Italy to complete his artistic training. In Rome he fell under the spell of Caravaggio's revolutionary style and adopted his use of realistic figures and dramatic lighting, known as chiaroscuro.'

'This is the most famous work by the Dutch painter, in Italy from 1610-1622, who for his interest in light effects was called Gherardo delle Notti (Gherardo of the Nights).'

'St. Peter penitent was painted in Italy around 1618/20 before Van Honthorst's return to his native Utrecht.'

'It is highly probable that Rembrandt drew inspiration from Van Honthorst in his youth.'

'Van Honthorst painted half-portraits of travelling entertainers, musicians and gypsies in the style of the Italian baroque painter Caravaggio, and in doing so created a new Dutch painting tradition at the beginning of the 16th century.'

'Scenes illuminated by a single candle were the speciality of 'Gherardo della Notte', as the Romans admiringly called him.'

'Gerard van Honthorst, mostly known for his Caravaggist work, shows in this painting his abilities as a full-fledged Classicist.'