Theodor van Thulden ('s-Hertogenbosch 1606-1669)

This hitherto unpublished painting by Theodor van Thulden was in possession of two important Dutch Noble families, des Tombe and Bosch van Drakestein.
The striking representation of the penitent Saint Magdalen is an exquisite example of van Thulden’s talent. The composition reflects the influence of Peter Paul Rubens, whose style had a strong impact on the artist and from whom he derived motifs like the present.
Theodor van Thulden emigrated from the Northern Netherlands and settled in Antwerp where he specialised in history pieces and mythological works of art. In 1639 and 1640, he was dean of the Antwerp Saint Luke Guild. He returned to his hometown ‘s-Hertogenbosch in 1644, where he developed a more personal style. Van Thulden explored the portrait genre and painted group portraits of important families, as well as several historical allegories for, amongst others, the City Hall of ‘s-Hertogenbosch.