1622_Balaam_and_the_Ass_Lastman.txt

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Pieter Lastman ca. 1583 – 1633
Balaam and the Ass

oil on canvas — 1622

This work is linked to Numbers 22:27

A not so very spectacular work by Lastman. The posture of the animal can also be found in Rembrandt's version of this scene. Rembrandt was a student of Lastman’s.

The prophet Balaam was ordered to curse Israel. On his way, Balaam's ass sees the road blocked by an angel and refuses to walk any further. Balaam hits the ass, who responds by speaking to him. Balaam then refuses to curse Israel, as he now sees the God of Israel as super

Pieter Lastman biography

Pieter Lastman

ca. 1583 - 1633

Full name: Pieter Pieterszoon Lastman. North-Netherlandish painter, born and died in Amsterdam.

A historical painter, Lastman would choose historical, mythological or biblical events as subject for his paintings. He traveled through Italy in 1604 and 1605.

Typical of his work are the harsh colors. Lastman is known for having taught Jan Lievens and most of all, Rembrandt van Rijn.