Christ and the Penitent Sinners

From the Rijksmuseum record

Gerard Seghers (1591 - 1651). Christ and the repentant sinners, c. 1630. In this altarpiece by the Flemish artist Seghers, Christ is depicted in the midst of a number of well-known sinners who appear in the Bible. Mary Magdalene is at his feet, the apostle Peter is seated on the right and King David on the left. The sinners are showing repentance. Christ's gesture suggests that he is encouraging the viewer to do likewise. The conversion of sinners played an important role in the doctrine of the Counter-Reformation. Gerard Seghers spent twelve years in Rome, where he was greatly impressed by the artist Caravaggio and his pupils. The striking contrasts between light and dark make this an excellent example of the influence which Italy had on Seghers' style. The figures stand out sharply against the dark background. Gift of J.P.G. Baron Spaen van Biljoen, 1809.