A sick child

"The sick child" perhaps the most vivid picture of the late period Metso Gabriel. This painting from the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam reflects the deep religiosity of the artist and at the same time indicates that there is nothing as comprehensive and timeless, like the love of a mother for her child.

In 1663 in Amsterdam plague broke out, which claimed the life of every tenth citizen. The image, dated to the period – almost documentary scene reminiscent of that Metso started as a historical painter. Shrillness canvas add a bright color spots on the gray background.

Gabriel Metso is considered to be a genre painter, but he also painted portraits, still lifes and religious paintings. This work formally refers to genre scenes. But the powerful image of parental devotion and motherly tenderness recalls the traditional theme of the Madonna and baby. However, the pale face and relaxed limbs of the child is associated with pietà or lamentation of Christ, when Mary presses to the breast of her dead son. Religiosity of the composition adds a black picture with a Crucifix hanging on the wall over the main characters.

"The sick child" – one of the arguments against the common belief that Gabriel Metso was a student of the Leiden "fine artist" Gerrit Dou. Metso technique is not similar to the technique of his famous colleague. Mother and child written free, juicy brushstrokes, the palette is bolder and more diverse than the Dow. In General, you can find similarities with the paintings of the Flemish painters, or even the echoes "Madonna and child" Anthony van Dyck.

Author: Vlad Maslov