New Perspectives on Abraham Bloemaert and His Workshop

The essays collected in this volume are devoted to the Utrecht painter Abraham Bloemaert. The artist has received considerable scholarly attention following the publication of the catalogue raisonne of his paintings and, more recently, of his drawings, particularly in connection with the major exhibition The Bloemaert Effect (2012, Utrecht & Schwerin). This publication examines Abraham Bloemaert as a universal artist while it also aims to better understand his contribution towards the development of new iconographic themes. The choice and execution of specific subjects are considered in light of the local religious context, among others. In order to offer new perspectives and stimulate further research, the volume carefully examines the role of his workshop and the various artistic practices - painting, engraving, and drawing - in which its members engaged under Bloemaert's supervision. A key question ties together the multifaceted approaches presented here: should Bloemaert be considered as the 'father of the Utrecht school' and the founder of a dynasty of artists?