Leonard Bramer

Leonaert Bramer loved the night. His small paintings are full of dark, glowing scenes lit by torches and fires, with richly costumed figures in exotic dress moving through shadowy palaces and ruins. In Rome the Italians called him Leonardo della Notte, Leonardo of the Night.

Born in Delft in 1596, he left home at 18 and travelled through France to Rome, where he stayed on and off until 1627 and was one of the founders of the Bentvueghels, the fellowship of northern artists. Back in Delft he painted history, biblical and mythological subjects, including frescoes, which were rare in the Netherlands, and drew constantly. In 1653 he spoke up for the young Johannes Vermeer when Vermeer’s future mother-in-law objected to his engagement; he may even have been Vermeer’s teacher, though there is no record of it. He died in Delft in 1674.

Journey of the Three Magi to Bethlehem suits his taste for exotic costume.