Studies of the Head of Abraham Grapheus
by JORDAENS, Jacob, Oil on paper mounted on panel, 45,2 x 52 cm
Like Rubens, Jordaens ran a large workshop with numerous assistants. The paintings in the various museums undoubtedly include a variety of workshop products, in which the master had only a partial hand. Jordaens’ skilful technique and deft observation can, however, be admired in their purest form in the double Studies of the Head of Abraham Grapheus. The artist must have been especially inspired by the shaggy head of his model - a messenger at the Antwerp Painters’ Guild - as he appears in many of his paintings.