Jan de Beer

Jan de Beer
Antwerp 1475 – 1528 Antwerp, attributed
Holy Bishop
Oil on wood
76.5 x 25 cm, with frame 90 x 42 cm

Jan de Beer is one of the leading representatives of the Antwerp School of the early 16th century. As a member of the Antwerp Guild of St. Luke, he was known for his bright color contrasts, finely worked details and dramatically staged religious scenes. He often devoted himself to the depiction of saints, visions of the Virgin Mary and nocturnal adoration scenes, always with a flair for theatrical lighting and emotional expressiveness.
The present painting shows a holy bishop in devout contemplation in front of a lectern with the Holy Scriptures. He is leaning on his crosier with his right hand and lifting his heavy, richly patterned brocade robe with his left – a testament to the highest level of craftsmanship. The mitre is also elaborately embroidered and emphasizes the festive character of the depiction.
The bishop’s gaze is lowered, his posture characterized by quiet devotion. Two monks in habit stand behind him, their presence accompanying the spiritual scene. A stone arch opens the room to the rear and provides a view of a finely composed exterior architecture with arcades; to the right, the interior is framed by a fluted column.
The calm atmosphere, the precious vestments and the carefully balanced depth of the room invite the viewer to linger in front of the painting. In terms of style and content, the work reflects central features of Jan de Beer’s oeuvre; a symbiosis of religious intimacy and painterly virtuosity.