Saint Simeon with the child Jesus
(Utrecht 1609 – 1666)
Oil on panel. 71 cm. x 65.4 cm. 1635-40 ca.
The stylistic motifs imply that this work was painted circa 1635-40 just like other works by H. Blomaert reproduced in Roethlisberger nº H.52 and H.65. The image of Saint Simeon with baby Jesus was a recurring theme for the artist. The work represents a story of the New Testament of the Gospel of Saint Luke. According to the story, eight days after the birth in Bethlehem he was circumcised and named Jesus; a name given to him by the angel before he was conceived: When the days of his purification according to the Law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. As it is written in the law of the LORD, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord; and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Lord, “now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” And Joseph and his mother marveled at those things which were spoken of him. And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Hendrick Blomaert belongs to a family of important Dutch artists. His father was Abraham Blomaert (Gorinchen 1564 – Utrech 1651), an internationally recognized artist, teacher and mentor for other artists. In fact, Abraham was greatly influenced by Caravaggio as well as other masters from the city of Utrecht. Both father and son worked very closely together, instrumental to Hendrick’s development. Blomaert specialized in genre scenes, historic narrative works, religious themes, and portraits. Blomaert joined of the Guild of Saint Luke in the year 1632, where he was able to showcase and perfect his talent. Within his artistic repertoire, the viewer can clearly appreciate the influence of his mentor, who followed the Caravaggist School, and of other academic painters from the School of Utrecht. Blomaert’s works stand out because of their magnificent execution of the figures, which bear a strong expression. Blomaert was a drawer, which influenced in a determined manner his style of painting. All of his works have beautiful figures and use very detailed and carefully studied composition that mixes together vivid colors with other warmer hues. The painter is an expert when it comes to dealing with light and is able to create a pleasant atmosphere. Although Blomaert´s works are not as recognized as the important works of his father, he was a very highly regarded artist during his time. According to the documentation of the time, it is known that in 1627 he travelled to Italy, where he was able to learn new techniques and compositions. His landscapes follow an Italianizing style.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- W. Bernt “ The Netherlandish Painters of the Sevnteenth Century” 1969, Vol. 1 p. 13, plate 124
- E. Benezit “Dictionnaire des peintres, esculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs”, 1999, Vol. 2, p.408
- C. Muller –Hofstede, “ A. Blomaert alsLandschaftsmaler” oud holland”, 1927
- B. Nicolson “The internacional Caravaggesque Movement” 1979, p. 24
- B. Nicolson and L.Vertova 2Caravaggism in Europe” vol. 1 p. 65-66, Vol. 3 fig. 1106 – 1116
- Roethlisberg “Abraham Govaert and his Son”, 1993, Vol. 2
- Hans Joachim Raupp (Hrs.) “PortaitsNiederlandische Malerei des 17 Jahrhuderts der SOR Rusche Sammlun, 1994, pag 30 N 6 ilustrado
- Christopher Wright, “Dutch Painting in the Seventeenth Century, Images of a Golden Age in British Collections”, 1989, p.171
PROVENANCE
Private Collection.
EXHIBITIONS
Madrid, Soraya Cartategui Gallery, Feriarte, November 2014.
MUSEUMS
Hendrick Blomaert’s works can be found in many museums around the world including: Amsterdam- Rijkmuseum, Brunswick- Museum of Art, Budapest- Museum of Fine Arts, Dresden- Old Master Gallery, Glasgow- National Museum, Saint Petersburg- Hermitage, Stockholm- National Museum, Utrecht- Catharijneconvent, etc.