Artwork
Der Engel verlässt die Familie des Tobias
Der Engel verlässt die Familie des Tobias is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Cornelis Saftleven. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Der Engel verlässt die Familie des Tobias is a 1644 painting by Cornelis Saftleven, a 17th-century Dutch artist known for his varied output, including religious themes. Created during the Dutch Golden Age, the work captures a biblical moment.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the angel's departure from the family of Tobias, a scene rooted in biblical tradition. Despite ominous dark clouds, the overall mood conveys peace and tranquility among the gathered figures, animals, and the descending angel with outstretched arms.
Technique & Style
Saftleven employed chiaroscuro, a technique emphasizing strong contrasts between light and dark, to create depth and emotional resonance in the scene, juxtaposing the serene group against a foreboding sky.
History & Provenance
Produced in 1644, during the zenith of the Dutch Golden Age, the painting reflects the era's flourishing artistic and cultural landscape. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
The work is characteristic of the religious subjects common during the Dutch Golden Age, yet Saftleven's diverse oeuvre sets it apart. The serene and peaceful depiction contrasts with the potentially dramatic nature of the angel's departure.
Legacy
While *Der Engel verlässt die Familie des Tobias* showcases Saftleven's skill with chiaroscuro and serene compositions, its broader impact or notable exhibitions are not highlighted in available information.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis Saftleven (c. 1607 in Gorinchem – 1 June 1681 in Rotterdam) was a Dutch painter who worked in a great variety of genres. Known in particular for his rural genre scenes, his range of subjects was very wide and…
