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 raisonné of his paint- ings and, more recently, of his drawings, particularly in connection with the major exhibition The Bloemaert Effect (2012, Utrecht & Schwerin). This publication ex- amines Abraham Bloemaert as a universal artist while it also aims to better understand his contribution to- wards the development of new iconographic themes.
The choice and execution of specific subjects are con- sidered in light of the local religious context, among others. In order to offer new perspectives and stimu- late further research, the volume carefully examines the role of his workshop and the various artistic prac- tices - painting, engraving, and drawing - in which its members engaged under Bloemaert's supervision. A key question ties together the multifaceted approach- es presented here: should Bloemaert be considered as the 'father of the Utrecht school' and the founder of a dynasty of artists?