Who painted Procession of Feasting Lepers?

Procession of Feasting Lepers was painted by Claes Jansz Visscher in 1608.

Where can I see Procession of Feasting Lepers?

Procession of Feasting Lepers is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Procession of Feasting Lepers?

Procession of Feasting Lepers is associated with Baroque.

Can I buy a print of Procession of Feasting Lepers?

Museum-quality prints of Procession of Feasting Lepers are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Procession of Feasting Lepers

Claes Jansz Visscher , 1608

Procession of Feasting Lepers is an ink print by the Baroque artist Claes Jansz Visscher. It dates from 1608 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Procession of Feasting Lepers is a 1608 etching by Claes Janszoon Visscher, a Dutch Golden Age artist and founder of a notable Amsterdam mapmaking and publishing house.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a lively, somewhat unsettling scene of lepers celebrating a feast. Figures, including children, are shown in tattered attire, engaging in various activities amidst symbolic elements like a wreath-topped pole and a background window with music notes. The Dutch inscription at the bottom alludes to a narrative, possibly referencing a legend or story about lepers.

Technique & Style

Executed with sharp, detailed lines, the etching showcases Visscher's meticulous graphic style, characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age printmaking traditions. The level of detail, capturing every wrinkle and gesture, imbues the scene with a sense of vitality.

History & Provenance

Created in 1608 by Claes Janszoon Visscher, the work reflects his dual role as an artist and the head of a prominent publishing house in Amsterdam, a position that would be succeeded by his descendants.

Context

The etching is emblematic of the Dutch Golden Age's print culture, where detailed, narrative-driven works were highly valued. The subject matter of lepers, often symbolic in religious or moral contexts, suggests the piece may have conveyed a message relevant to its time.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of Procession of Feasting Lepers on subsequent art movements are not prominently documented, it remains a characteristic example of Visscher's output and the broader printmaking achievements of the Dutch Golden Age.