Jan Lievens

Book excerpt: Jan Lievens (1607-1674) was one of the most fascinating and enigmatic Dutch artists of the 17th century. Daring and innovative as a painter, printmaker, and draftsman, he created powerful character studies, genre scenes, landscapes, formal portraits, and religious and allegorical images that were widely praised and valued during his lifetime. This beautiful book, the first overview of the full range of Lievens' career, features more than 50 paintings--many of them newly discovered in private collections--and more than 75 prints and drawings, providing a reassessment of his place in the history of art. Lievens began his career in his native Leiden, where he worked closely with his compatriot Rembrandt, who admired and collected Lievens' works. Lievens then moved to London, Antwerp, and Amsterdam, and his peripatetic career and multitude of working styles, say the authors of this book, may explain why his reputation today is not as high as it should be. This book offers a necessary corrective, returning to Lievens the esteem he deserves. Published in association with the National Gallery of Art, Washington Exhibition Schedule: National Gallery of Art, Washington (October 26, 2008 - January 11, 2009) Milwaukee Art Museum (February 7 - April 26, 2009) Rembrandthuis, Amsterdam (May 17 - August 9, 2009)