BLEKER, Gerrit Claesz
(b. ca. 1592, Haarlem, d. 1656, Haarlem)

The Baptism of the Eunuch

1630-35
Oil on oak panel, 75 x 107 cm
Christian Museum, Esztergom

The subject of the deacon Philip baptising the Ethiopian chamberlain was portrayed frequently in the first half of the seventeenth century especially in the Netherlands by Rembrandt School artists. There was no such substantial pictorial tradition in French, German or Italian art.

The attribution to Gerrit Claesz Bleker seems to be certain. There were several other attempts to determine the author of the painting, among others the name of Dirck Gerritsz Bleker, son of Gerrit Claesz is also mentioned.




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