Lot Essay
After the picture in the Getty Museum, Los Angeles.
Jan Lievens shared Rembrandt's interest in historical portraits with characters in fanciful costumes, here depicting Prince Charles Louis of the Palatinate being taught by his tutor Wolrad von Plessen. Originally this subject was thought to be a biblical depiction of Eli instructing Samuel, however, recent research reveals that these figures were meant to allude to Aristotle instructing the young Alexander. Alexander's age would have corresponded with Prince Charles Louis, both being about fourteen years old when they received instruction from their respective mentors.
Jan Lievens shared Rembrandt's interest in historical portraits with characters in fanciful costumes, here depicting Prince Charles Louis of the Palatinate being taught by his tutor Wolrad von Plessen. Originally this subject was thought to be a biblical depiction of Eli instructing Samuel, however, recent research reveals that these figures were meant to allude to Aristotle instructing the young Alexander. Alexander's age would have corresponded with Prince Charles Louis, both being about fourteen years old when they received instruction from their respective mentors.