Artwork

Christ Blessing the Children

Christ Blessing the Children, by Johannes Voorhout, oil, 1700
Christ Blessing the Children, by Johannes Voorhout, oil, 1700

Christ Blessing the Children is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Johannes Voorhout. It dates from 1700 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Christ Blessing the Children is a 1700 oil painting by Johannes Voorhout, a Dutch artist who worked in various genres, including history painting.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a biblical scene where Jesus blesses children, gathered around him in a natural setting. Jesus is shown seated on the ground, touching one child's head, conveying a sense of tenderness and benevolence.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil paint, the work showcases Voorhout's attention to detail and realistic style, evident in the rendering of textures and the use of muted colors, predominantly shades of brown and green.

History & Provenance

Voorhout, trained in the Dutch Republic, worked in Hamburg before returning to Amsterdam, where he likely produced this painting, characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age's artistic flourishing.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Johannes Voorhout

Artist

Johannes Voorhout

Johannes Voorhout (11 November 1647 – 25 August 1717) was a Dutch painter of history paintings, portraits and genre scenes.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.