Who painted Hiobs Leiden?

Hiobs Leiden was painted by Anthoni Schoonjans in 1710.

Where can I see Hiobs Leiden?

Hiobs Leiden is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Hiobs Leiden?

Hiobs Leiden is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Hiobs Leiden

Anthoni Schoonjans , 1710

Hiobs Leiden is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Anthoni Schoonjans. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Anthoni Schoonjans, a Flemish artist active in the early eighteenth century, painted *Hiobs Leiden* in 1710. Executed during the Rococo era, the work now belongs to the Alte Pinakothek. It presents a moment from the biblical narrative of Job, focusing on the protagonist’s suffering amid supernatural assault.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a nude Job, his lower body covered only by a white cloth, arms raised defensively as a horned, tailed demon lashes him with a whip. A dark‑robed woman stands to his left, appearing to intercede. The scene captures the theological theme of human endurance under divine trial.

Technique & Style

Schoonjans employs pronounced chiaroscuro, the contrast of deep shadows with illuminated figures, to heighten tension. The dramatic lighting draws attention to the central struggle, while the muted background suggests a vague architectural form, reinforcing the painting’s somber mood within a Rococo aesthetic.

History & Provenance

Trained in Antwerp, Schoonjans worked for several European courts, including those in Vienna, Copenhagen, Berlin, and Düsseldorf. After its creation, *Hiobs Leiden* entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek, where it remains accessible to scholars and the public.

Context

The work reflects the period’s interest in biblical subjects rendered with emotional intensity. By portraying Job’s affliction through a theatrical tableau, Schoonjans aligns with contemporary trends that blended religious narrative with the dramatic flair characteristic of early eighteenth‑century European painting.