Research topic: Gerrit van Honthorst

Gerrit van Honthorst , 1590-1656, Dutch portrait, genre, and allegorical painter. In Italy (c.1610-1620) he gained a sound understanding of the works of Caravaggio, which greatly affected his style. He was a master at painting candlelit genre pieces and biblical scenes. Upon his return to Holland, he introduced the Italian manner of illusionistic decoration into Dutch interiors, as in his decorative scheme for the palace of Honselaarsdijk. In 1628, Charles I invited him to England, where he decorated Whitehall and painted portraits of the king and nobility. Several of these are now in the Nat... Read more