The Preaching of John the Baptist

Bartholomeus Breenbergh

Created:
Movement:
1634
Baroque
key Notes:
Biblical narrative, Landscape composition
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Dimensions:
21 1/2 x 29 5/8 in. (54.6 x 75.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on wood
Difficulty:
Expert
New game
story of the work:

We have not been able to find much information about this work, or we believe the information we sourced needed more review.

The Preaching of John the Baptist by Bartholomeus Breenbergh

The Preaching of John the Baptist, painted by Bartholomeus Breenbergh in 1634, is an exemplary work of the Dutch Golden Age, executed in oil on wood. Breenbergh, a prominent figure in the Dutch Italianate landscape movement, was known for his ability to blend biblical narratives with detailed landscapes, a skill evident in this painting. The work captures the dynamic moment of John the Baptist's sermon, set against a meticulously rendered natural backdrop, showcasing Breenbergh's mastery in integrating human figures within expansive landscapes. Breenbergh's time in Rome significantly influenced his style, as seen in the classical architectural elements and the Italianate landscape features present in this piece. This painting not only reflects the religious fervor of the period but also highlights the artist's contribution to the development of landscape painting in the Netherlands. Breenbergh's works, including this one, are celebrated for their harmonious composition and the subtle interplay of light and shadow, which were innovative for his time.

Description of the work:

The Preaching of John the Baptist by Bartholomeus Breenbergh

Created in 1634, "The Preaching of John the Baptist" by Bartholomeus Breenbergh is an oil on wood painting that exemplifies the Baroque style with its dynamic composition and dramatic use of light and shadow. The artwork depicts the biblical scene of John the Baptist preaching to a crowd, showcasing Breenbergh's skill in rendering both landscape and human figures.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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The Preaching of John the Baptist