Artwork
Die Taufe des Mohrenkämmerers

Die Taufe des Mohrenkämmerers is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Pieter Lastman. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Die Taufe des Mohrenkämmerers (Baptism of the Moorish Chamberlain) is a 1620 oil painting by Dutch artist Pieter Lastman, characteristic of the early Baroque period in Italy. The work depicts a religious narrative within a landscape setting, showcasing Lastman's emphasis on expressive figures and dramatic storytelling.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates a baptism scene, specifically that of a Moorish chamberlain, indicated by the kneeling woman in yellow holding a baby and the attending figure in red. The subject highlights themes of religious conversion and possibly the intersection of cultures, though specific allegorical details are not overtly elaborated in the visual composition.
Technique & Style
Lastman employs chiaroscuro, a hallmark of the Baroque, to create depth and volume through strong light and dark contrasts. The colorful, expressive robes of the figures and the integration of the scene into a detailed landscape (with trees, hills, and a stream) further define the painting's stylistic approach.
History & Provenance
Created in 1620, the painting is part of the early Baroque movement in Italy. It is now housed in the Alte Pinakothek collection. Notably, Lastman's influence extended to prominent pupils like Rembrandt, who was trained under him.
Context
The early 17th-century Italian Baroque context emphasizes dramatic narratives and emotional clarity, elements reflected in Lastman's composition. The inclusion of a Moorish figure may also touch upon the period's fascination with exoticism and religious universalism.
Legacy
While *Die Taufe des Mohrenkämmerers* itself may not be widely recognized beyond art historical circles, Lastman's overall body of work and his mentorship of Rembrandt contribute significantly to the development of Dutch Golden Age painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pieter Lastman (1583–1633) was a Dutch painter. Lastman is considered important because of his work as a painter of history pieces and because his pupils included Rembrandt and Jan Lievens. In his paintings Lastman paid…



















