Jonah Preaching to the Ninevites 1559 - 1607

Gillis van Coninxloo painted “Jonah Preaching to the Ninevites” on a wood panel using oil paints, a common practice among northern European artists during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The oil paint has been applied in thin layers, allowing the wood grain beneath to subtly influence the surface texture, and the figures have a kind of anonymous, stock quality, as though produced to order. This choice of material and method reflects the expanding art market of the time, where efficient production was valued. Coninxloo likely employed assistants in his workshop, each specializing in different aspects of the painting, such as figures or landscapes, echoing the division of labor seen in other industries. The relatively small size of the panel also suggests it was intended for private devotion or display in a domestic setting, rather than a large public commission, which were far more prestigious. Ultimately, understanding the material and production context of Coninxloo's work provides insight into the economic and social forces shaping artistic practices during this period.