Jacob Coenraad Ritsema

Jacob Coenraad Ritsema (1869-1943) - Jeremiah lamenting the destruction of Jerusalem - after Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn in 1630 - ± 1930/1940

Oil on Canvas - signed lower right

Canvas: 58 cm. height - 46 cm. width.

Frame: 72 cm. height - 60 cm. width.

Oak wooden frame with polished black line, resembling ebony wood; Frame in excellent condition, with non visible repair (photo 22).

The painting is in excellent condition; it was recently cleaned.

To be dated around 1930-1940.

Provenance: private collection.

The biblical prophet Jeremiah leans his tired head on his hand. He mourns the burning city of Jerusalem (left background), the destruction of which he had predicted. 

The most important part of the depiction the figure of Jeremiah is painted with great precision, while his surroundings are barely worked out. Rembrandt used powerful contrasts of light and shadow to heighten the drama of the scene.

The original is painted on a panel; oil on panel, h 58cm × w 46cm; at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.

In the distance to the left Zedekiah can be seen, holding his fists before his eyes. Zedekiah was the last king of Judah and was made blind by the soldiers.

Jeremiah sees it all in sorrow.

Ritsema is a well known Dutch painter.