The subject of this canvas is thought to be an apocryphal story from the childhood of Christ: Jesus helps the carpenter Joseph, his foster-father, with advice. Gerrit van Honthorst (November 4, 1592 - April 27, 1656) was one of the leading Dutch followers of Caravaggio. The influence of the great Italian master is clear in the down-to-earth nature of the scene, in the half-figures shown close to, and in the powerful contrasts of light and shade. Here a candle as a strong source of light may refer to Christ's words: "I am the light of the world."
[Oil on canvas, 137 x 185 cm]
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