Gerard van Honthorst was a Dutch artist born on November 4, 1592. He was known for paintings set in the darkness and lit with a brilliant light. This approach created a strong contrast in value within his paintings, making them dramatic and eye-catching. The technique is called chiaroscuro, which means a single light source illuminating the scene from one specific spot. Honthorst was often said to paint in the style of Caravaggio, but some of his religious work bears a striking resemblance to Rembrandt, whose use of chiaroscuro made Christ the sole light source. Gerard van Honthorst was commissioned by several notable people including the Medici family, and his work is now displayed in major museums such as the Louvre and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.
Below are shown St. Peter Released from Prison, Adoration of the Child,
and Adoration of the Shepherds.
