Artwork
Ephraim Bonus
Ephraim Bonus is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jan Lievens. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:lower center in plate: Dor. EPHRAIM BONVS, MEDICVS HEBRAEVS / alter Avenzooar grandi sub judice, magnus / in medicis, magni dicipulus que patris. ; lower left in plate: Ionannes Lyvius fecit
About this work
Overview
Ephraim Bonus is a 1640 etching on laid paper by Jan Lievens, a Dutch painter and printmaker.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts an older man, identified as Ephraim Bonus, a Jewish doctor, in a contemplative pose. He is shown seated, wearing a dark robe and white shirt, with a small object in his right hand.
Technique & Style
Lievens used etching to create deep shadows and textured surfaces, giving the subject's robe a three-dimensional appearance. The plain background focuses attention on the figure, rendered in varying line weights and densities.
History & Provenance
Jan Lievens, born in Leiden in 1607, created this work during his time as a painter and printmaker in Amsterdam, where he shared a studio with Rembrandt for several years.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Lievens (24 October 1607 – 4 June 1674) was a Dutch Golden Age painter who was associated with his close contemporary Rembrandt, a year older, in the early parts of their careers.
