Who painted Cimon und Pero (nach)?

Cimon und Pero (nach) was painted by Gerard van Honthorst in 1624.

Where can I see Cimon und Pero (nach)?

Cimon und Pero (nach) is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Cimon und Pero (nach)?

Cimon und Pero (nach) is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Cimon und Pero (nach)

Gerard van Honthorst , 1624

Cimon und Pero (nach) is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Gerard van Honthorst. It dates from 1624 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Gerard van Honthorst’s 1624 canvas titled *Cimon und Pero* is a history painting executed during the Dutch Golden Age. The work is part of the Alte Pinakothek’s collection and exemplifies the artist’s early fascination with dramatic lighting, a hallmark of his Roman period.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a dim interior where a woman in a light dress with red sleeves holds a candle, its flame illuminating her face from below. A kneeling man, turned away, watches her; his simple attire and hat suggest modesty. The scene captures a moment of quiet intensity, emphasizing the act of illumination both literal and symbolic.

Technique & Style

Honthorst employs chiaroscuro to create stark contrasts between the candle‑lit figures and the surrounding darkness. The single light source produces deep shadows and highlights the textures of fabric and flesh, a technique he absorbed from Caravaggio while working in Italy.

History & Provenance

After his Roman sojourn, Honthorst returned to the Netherlands where he became a prominent portraitist alongside peers such as Hendrick ter Brugghen and Dirck van Baburen. *Cimon und Pero* eventually entered the Alte Pinakothek, where it remains on display.

Context

The painting reflects the broader Dutch Golden Age interest in narrative scenes rendered with theatrical lighting. Honthorst’s nickname, Gherardo delle Notti, attests to his reputation for night‑time effects, a skill evident in this work’s focused candle illumination.

Artist & collection

Artist

Gerard van Honthorst

Gerard "Gerrit" van Honthorst (4 November 1592 – 27 April 1656) was a Dutch Golden Age painter who became known for his depiction of artificially lit scenes, eventually receiving the Italian nickname Gherardo delle Notti ("Gerard of the…