Skip to main content

Probably by Jacob van Oost the Elder, 'Two Boys before an Easel', about 1645

Key facts
Full title Two Boys before an Easel
Artist Probably by Jacob van Oost the Elder
Artist dates 1601 - 1671
Date made about 1645
Medium and support oil on canvas
Dimensions 56.5 × 58.7 cm
Acquisition credit Presented by Sir Henry Howorth through the Art Fund in memory of Lady Howorth, 1922.
Inventory number NG3649
Location Not on display
Collection Main Collection
Previous owners
Two Boys before an Easel
Probably by Jacob van Oost the Elder
/

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.

Download image
Download low-resolution image

Download a low-resolution copy of this image for personal use.

License this image

License and download a high-resolution image for reproductions up to A3 size from the National Gallery Picture Library.

License image
Download low-resolution image

This image is licensed for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons agreement.

Examples of non-commercial use are:

  • Research, private study, or for internal circulation within an educational organisation (such as a school, college or university)
  • Non-profit publications, personal websites, blogs, and social media

The image file is 800 pixels on the longest side.

As a charity, we depend upon the generosity of individuals to ensure the collection continues to engage and inspire. Help keep us free by making a donation today.

Download low-resolution image

You must agree to the Creative Commons terms and conditions to download this image.

Creative Commons Logo