Jan van Somer

Jan van Somer was an artist active during the mid-17th century, primarily documented through his work in graphic media between 1645 and 1655. His extant body of work demonstrates proficiency in printmaking across a variety of subjects, spanning biblical narratives, mythological scenes, and contemporary genre vignettes.

Fifteen of Van Somer’s prints are currently represented in museum collections, establishing the scope of his output in etching and engraving. His religious subjects include detailed compositions such as Christus and Christus en de Samaritaanse vrouw, alongside specific apostolic portrayals like Apostel, mogelijk de H. Johannes. He also executed intricate scenes of daily life, exemplified by the print Boy Delivering a Letter to a Woman, and mythological subjects, notably Bacchanaal met saters en nimfen.

The enduring significance of Jan van Somer prints is confirmed by their inclusion in international collections. His works are preserved in the permanent holdings of major institutions, including the Rijksmuseum and the National Gallery of Art. Today, many of these historical artworks are available as high-quality prints, often entering the public domain to facilitate study and research into 17th-century European graphic arts.