A Coastal Landscape with Saul after the Conversion

PROVENANCE:
Private Collection, The Hague;
Dr and Mrs Richard W Levy, New Orleans, USA

LITERATURE:
M G Roethlisberger, 'Bartholomeus Breenbergh, The Paintings', New York, 1981, p.65, no. 154, with ill.

EXHIBITING:
The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, 'Landscape of the Bible', 5th September 2000 to 30th January 2001, cat.no.24;
'Inspired by Italy: Dutch Landscape Painters 1600-1700', Dulwich Picture Gallery, 22nd May - 26th August 2002, No. 9;
'Bartolomeus Breenbergh, Joseph distributing corn in Egypt', Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham, 29th Oct 2004 - 23rd Jan 2005 & Bredius Museum, The Hague 12th Feb - 1st May 2005, cat. no.5

NOTE:
Marcel Roethlisberger cites this painting as 'a masterpiece' and possibly his finest large scale painting. Its large scale indicates an important commission. The composition relies heavily on the revolutionary engraving of the Conversion by Lucas van Leyden completed in 1509. This picture is characteristic of the artist's time in Amsterdam after his return from Rome. The subject matter of his paintings, executed after his return from Italy, tended to be imbued with greater religious significance, in contrast to the purely genre and landscape paintings that he completed whilst in Italy.