The Locksmith

The LocksmithThis is a rare if not unique instance of a locksmith being portrayed alone in a relatively large painting. In the nineteenth century the picture was described as the 'famous Bolognese Locksmith' and later as the 'Locksmith of Antwerp'; it is doubtful, however, that it represents a specific individual. It more likely relates to the representation of a locksmith in the series of prints of Le Arti di Bologna a group of engravings depicting various

Desenfans bought this work in 1785 believing it to be by Rembrandt

The entire scene is carefully arranged

the young boy and the dog are set apart from the rather rough-looking soldiers

He was highly successful

A frequently quoted account by the French art theorist and early owner of the work

where she lived for thirty years in penitence

Sumowski suggests a date of 1710/15

Murillo is best known in England for his depictions of beggar boys and urchins

Another half-length copy is at Versailles

the smeared areas laid on around the girl's left eye and temple)

Urban VIII

Saint Catherine is shown in the habit of a Dominican tertiary with a crown of thorns