Press Reviews

Jan Lievens: A Dutch Master Rediscovered

The first U.S. exhibition of the work of Jan Lievens (1607—1674), one of the great Dutch artists of the 17th century, will be on view at the Milwaukee Art Museum February 7—April 26, 2009. Jan Lievens: A Dutch Master Rediscovered challenges the artist’s place in art history, calling into question why the artist has only been studied in the shadow of his more famous contemporary, Rembrandt van Rijn.

Another brush with greatness —Washington Post (PDF)

A forgotten baroque painter, shown free of Rembrandt’s shadow. —New York Times

Lievens (1607–74) is not a household name now, but in his time he was famous throughout northern Europe for his portraits and his religious and history paintings. —New York Times

[A] youthful prodigy began to turn out paintings in a surprisingly wide array of genres. —American Artist (PDF)

He was a glorious draftsman, a dazzling paint handler, and an inventive composer. —American Artist (PDF)

The exhibition and its accompanying catalogue will present an overview of the full range of Lievens’ career. More than 130 of the artist’s finest works will be presented including 54 paintings, 39 drawings, and 39 prints.

Jan Lievens remains one of the most fascinating and enigmatic Dutch artists of his time. Daringly innovative as a painter, printmaker, and draftsman, the artist created powerful character studies, formal portraits, religious and allegorical images, and landscapes that were highly esteemed by his contemporaries. His work demonstrates a singular international style that combines the best of Nertherlandish realism with the sensuous painting of Rubens, Van Dyck, and the Venetians.