The Circumcision 1611 - 1674

Leonaert Bramer’s “The Circumcision” (1611-1674) is a watercolor drawing depicting the biblical event of the circumcision of Jesus. The scene is set in a grand, arced hall with a window visible in the background, possibly an architectural feature from Bramer’s Dutch homeland. The drawing showcases Bramer’s characteristic use of light and shadow and his ability to capture the drama of the event, with the figures arranged in a dramatic composition, drawing attention to the central figure of the infant Jesus. The drawing is a testament to Bramer's skill in depicting both the sacred and the everyday. It is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.