Artwork
Christ and the woman of Canaan
Christ and the woman of Canaan is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Pieter Lastman. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The composition underscores the early Baroque interest in narrative clarity and emotional expression within religious subjects.
The painting depicts a biblical scene drawn from the Gospel of Matthew in which Christ engages a Syrophoenician woman of Canaan, illustrating themes of faith and divine mercy. Lastman emphasizes the encounter through a direct gaze and gestural interaction, highlighting the woman's persistent request for assistance and Christ's acknowledgment of her faith. The composition underscores the early Baroque interest in narrative clarity and emotional expression within religious subjects.
Technique & Style
The painting is executed in oil on wood panel, measuring 76.8 cm by 106.6 cm. Lastman applies thin, translucent layers to build depth in the figures, using chiaroscuro to model forms and direct attention toward the central interaction. The brushwork remains precise and controlled, reflecting the influence of Dutch classicism while retaining a narrative clarity suited to the biblical scene. The surface exhibits fine craquelure consistent with age, though no structural instability or previous restorations are documented.
History & Provenance
The painting is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. It is also associated with the Rembrandt House Museum, which lists the work in its holdings. Created in 1617, the oil-on-panel work has dimensions of 76.8 cm in height and 106.6 cm in width.
No specific accession numbers or detailed exhibition history are provided in the available records.
Overview
Created in 1617 by Dutch artist Pieter Lastman, this oil painting portrays the biblical meeting between Jesus and the Canaanite woman. Executed during the early Baroque period, the work now belongs to the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
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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…
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