Jacob Willemsz. de Wet (Haarlem 1610-1671)

Although de Wet was known to paint both landscape and genre subjects he was predominantly recognised for his depictions of religious and mythological subjects, usually representing scenes from the New Testament and set in temples. Such works frequently depicted the strong chiaroscuro manner made fashionable by Rembrandt, as evident in the present picture. De Wet's paintings, although clearly showing the influence of Rembrandt and perhaps indicating that he was indeed his pupil, have often been misattributed to Willem de Poorter, another of Rembrandt's students.