Buy a hand made painting of The adoration of the Magi, Joris Fransz van Schooten, 1646

Of the handful of history paintings Van Schooten is known to have painted, this Adoration of the Magi is the latest in date. Executed in 1646, the painting is remarkably old-fashioned. The figure types, especially that of the youngest king, Caspar, who stands to the right of centre, and the rather robust figure of Mary, recall the work of Pieter Lastman, who had already been dead for more than a decade when Van Schooten finished this work. The Roman architecture and bright colouring also point to Lastman’s influence. Van Schooten’s picture, however, cannot be said to be based directly on a known work by Lastman, as the Amsterdam artist does not seem to have treated the subject of the Adoration of the Magi. It may have been by way of the younger Leiden history painters, Rembrandt and Jan Lievens (the latter being Van Schooten’s pupil) that Van Schooten came into contact with Lastman’s art. One aspect of the present painting, the repoussoir figure of Balthasar cast in heavy shadow, was probably derived from Rembrandt and Lievens’s example, rather than that of Lastman. Examples of such repoussoir figures can be found in Rembrandt’s early painted oeuvre, executed in Leiden, including the 1625 Stoning of St Stephen and David with the Head of Goliath before Saul from two years later.5 Lievens apparently used such repoussoirs only in his drawings, such as that of Mucius Scaevola and Porsenna from around 1626.6 Van Schooten had already used this compositional device in 1639-40 for two of the works he executed for the Lutheran church in Leiden. A charming aspect of Van Schooten’s Adoration is the partially concealed faces that peer out at the viewer, including that of the page behind the figure of Caspar and the Christ Child. That the latter is shown frontally, directly engaging the viewer, rather than in profile, is only one of the unusual features of Van Schooten’s painting. Another is the prominent role given to Joseph, who is shown presenting the child to the oldest king, Melchior, while the Virgin holds the gift of gold coins. Joseph is usually given a much more subordinate role in depictions of the Adoration of the Magi, sometimes appearing only as a minuscule figure in the background. Significantly, in Van Schooten’s Adoration of the Shepherds, painted for the Lutheran church some six years earlier, it is also Joseph and not Mary who presents the Christ Child.7 Jonathan Bikker, 2007 See Bibliography and Rijksmuseum painting catalogues See Key to abbreviations and Acknowledgements This entry was published in J. Bikker (ed.), Dutch Paintings of the Seventeenth Century in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, I: Artists Born between 1570 and 1600, coll. cat. Amsterdam 2007, no. 272.

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

early life and training

joris fransz van schooten, a prominent dutch golden age painter, was born in leiden, netherlands in 1587. he was the nephew of frans van schooten, a renowned mathematician. van schooten's artistic journey began with an apprenticeship under coenraad van der maas for three years, which laid the foundation for his future success.

artistic career and notable works

van schooten's expertise in portrait painting became evident as he started working independently at the age of 20. his notable works include paintings in the lutheran church and the city hall of leiden, which still adorn their original locations. as a respected artist, van schooten had the privilege of teaching rembrandt and jan lievens, who later became accomplished artists.

museums featuring van schooten's work

* the museum huis ten bosch (the hague, netherlands): although not exclusively featuring van schooten's works, this museum showcases a wide range of dutch art, including the period when van schooten was active. /en/art/show/art-d3b6sx-en/ * st. joriskerk (amersfoort, netherlands): this historic church turned art museum might not have van schooten's specific works, but it represents the era and style of dutch golden age painting. [https://ArtsDot.com/@@/a@d3bd5p](https://ArtsDot.com/@@/a@d3bd5p)

legacy and influence

van schooten's legacy extends beyond his own works, as he played a significant role in shaping the careers of rembrandt and jan lievens. his influence on dutch golden age painting is undeniable, with his portraits and other works continuing to inspire art enthusiasts.

key dates: born in 1587, leiden, netherlands; died in 1652.
notable students: rembrandt, jan lievens
style: dutch golden age, portrait painting
locations of note: lutheran church and city hall of leiden

further exploration on ArtsDot.com

* discover more about the dutch golden age and its notable artists: [https://ArtsDot.com/@@/a@d3arfd](https://ArtsDot.com/@@/a@d3arfd) * explore the works of rembrandt van rijn, one of van schooten's students: [https://ArtsDot.com/@@/8ewqyt](https://ArtsDot.com/@@/8ewqyt)

joris fransz van schooten

1587 - 1652 , Netherlands

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Dutch Golden Age, Portrait Painting
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
- Rembrandt
- Jan Lievens
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Coenraad van der Maas']
Date Of Birth: 1587 Leiden Netherlands
Date Of Death: 1652
Full Name: joris fransz van schooten
Nationality: Dutch
Notable Artworks:
- The Adoration of the Magi
- Portrait of Jacob Gerritsz van der Mij
Place Of Birth: Leiden Netherlands

Joris Fransz Van Schooten: The Full Collection

Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.

Popular

The adoration of the Magi, Joris Fransz van Schooten, 1646

Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $30

H24-SILVER $30

H36-GOLD $45

H36-SILVER $45

Framed

Reproduction Size

Protective Varnish

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Urgent Production

Included Benefits

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 63

Summary

Giclée / Art Print

-

Reproduction Frame

-

Nameplate

-

Protective Varnish

-

Urgent

-

Express Shipping

Included

Total Price

$ 63

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

early life and training

artistic career and notable works