Two Boys before an Easel

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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Two boys stand in front of a large picture displayed on a wooden easel. The snub-nosed child on the right leans over to study the drawing more closely, while the other turns, frowning slightly, to look at something out of view. The central figure is quite possibly a self portrait by the artist. He holds a board with a blank sheet of paper on, perhaps in anticipation of making a sketch after the work, or to start another.

The monochrome drawing depicts an episode from story of Gideon, as told in the Old Testament (Judges 7: 5–6). God advised Gideon, a military leader, to select his army by asking the men to drink water from a pool. Those who lapped the water with their tongues like dogs were the chosen ones, and would help Gideon secure victory over the Midianites.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Two Boys before an Easel

Date

about 1645

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 56.5 x W 58.7 cm

Accession number

NG3649

Acquisition method

Presented by Sir Henry Howorth through The Art Fund in memory of Lady Howorth, 1922.

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London WC2N 5DN England

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