Apostle Paul

The monumental painting of St Paul is a typical work by Lievens from the period in Leiden when he worked closely with Rembrandt. Similarities with Rembrandt's paintings from the same time, which is around 1627–1629, can be seen in terms of both subject and composition, but also in the way that Lievens uses light. This painting is a case in point, with its subject of the apostle in half length, its powerful application of light and shadow, with a light source illuminating the scene from the left, and the realistic, empathetic depiction of St Paul's wrinkled face and hands. St Paul is portrayed by Lievens as a learned old man who is deep in thought as he continues writing in a large open book. Research into Jan Lievens' painting of St Paul has dated it at around 1627–1629. The work originally came to Sweden through the prominent art collector Gustav Adolf Axelsson Sparre (1746–1794).

The Sparre collection is considered to have been one of the best in the country during the 18th century, ranking alongside those of King Gustav III, Queen Lovisa Ulrika and Count Carl Gustaf Tessin. Nationalmuseum has been able to purchase this important painting by Jan Lievens with the help of a donation from the Wiros Fund. The acquisition from the art collection at Wanås Castle, where the remaining works of the Sparre collection are housed, is one of the museum's most significant of recent years. The acquisition is on show in the Dutch and Flemish 17th Century painting gallery on the second floor.