Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me 1615 - 1616

Jacob Jordaens painted 'Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me' sometime in the 17th century, likely in his native Antwerp, using oils. It's a crowded scene depicting a biblical episode where Jesus welcomes children, challenging the social norms of his time. Jordaens was a follower of Rubens, and you can see the influence in the dynamic composition and the fleshy, almost bursting figures, painted with a robust realism. This realism wasn't just about style; it reflected a rising merchant class in Antwerp, a society increasingly focused on the tangible and immediate. The painting also subtly comments on religious institutions. By depicting a direct connection between Jesus and the children, bypassing the traditional authority figures, Jordaens hints at a more personal, less hierarchical form of spirituality. To understand this work better, we would need to delve into the religious and social history of 17th century Antwerp. The archives of local churches and merchant guilds would be invaluable resources.