Artwork
The Departure of Benjamin
The Departure of Benjamin is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Abraham van Dijck. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Mauritshuis.
About this work
Overview
The Departure of Benjamin is a 17th-century religious oil painting attributed to Abraham van Dijck, dated to circa 1650, and part of the collection at the Mauritshuis.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a somber scene of farewell, focusing on a barefoot man in a red robe, armed with a sword, with his back turned to the viewer, surrounded by a group of onlookers including a veiled woman and three men, suggesting a narrative of departure with potential religious or biblical undertones.
Technique & Style
Van Dijck employed chiaroscuro, with a light source emanating from the right, to create deep contrasts and a sense of depth in the dimly lit, low-ceilinged room, emphasizing the emotional and dramatic impact of the central figure's departure.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1650, the painting's history prior to its current residence at the Mauritshuis is not detailed in the provided information.
Context
The use of chiaroscuro and the somber tone place the painting within the broader artistic trends of the Dutch Golden Age, where dramatic lighting was often used to convey emotional depth in religious themes.
Legacy
The painting's legacy or influence on subsequent art is not specified in the provided details, though its preservation in a notable museum suggests recognition of its historical and artistic value.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
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