Claes Pietersz. Lastman

The painter and engraver, Claes Lastman, was the brother and probably also the pupil of the slightly older and better known Pieter Lastman. The artist produced a modest corpus of rare prints consisting principally of religious scenes. These include the present extremely evocative and impressive work after a composition by the painter, Jan Symonsz. Pynas, who was active around 1605 in Rome, where he associated with Adam Elsheimer and Pieter Lastman. Ranked among the most prominent Pre-Rembrandtists, Pynas and Lastman are regarded as the founders of Netherlandish history painting in the early 17th century.

Claes Lastman demonstrates his consummate skill in transferring this night piece, which is strongly influenced by the art of Adam Elsheimer, to the printmaking medium. The striking scene radiates an almost surreal atmosphere. A beam of light entering from the right illuminates the angel and St. Peter, who walks bent slightly forward and holds the hand of his liberator in almost deferential manner. His fellow prisoners, who are fast asleep and completely unaware of the wondrous event, are portrayed in masterly fashion. Objects such as a jug, earthenware bowls, playing cards and a torn mat are rendered with wonderful tactility, loving attention to detail and a clarity reminiscent of a still life. The dramatic chiaroscuro invests the intimate scene with a magic all its own. A superb, crisp impression with fine thread margins around the platemark. The print is on offer here in a state not recorded by Hollstein: with the change in the artist’s name, but before the address of C. J. Visscher. Minor ageing, otherwise in excellent condition. From the collections of Charles Howard Hodges (Lugt 552) and Eduard Schultze, Vienna (Lugt 906).

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