Viktors Jan (1620 Amsterdam – 1676 East India) – An angel leaving Tobias with his family (103x131 cm) 1649 J. Paul Getty Museum

Here we observe a scene unfolding on a stone terrace, bathed in dramatic chiaroscuro. A winged figure, presumably celestial in nature, ascends into a turbulent sky filled with dark clouds and shafts of light. The composition is divided between the departing angel and a family gathered within an arched doorway.
The family consists of three figures: an elderly man kneeling in apparent supplication, a younger man standing beside him, and a woman seated near the edge of the terrace, her face partially obscured by a veil or lowered gaze. Their attire suggests a degree of prosperity; the older man wears a simple but well-made robe, while the younger man is dressed in richly colored garments with elaborate detailing. The woman’s blue dress is similarly adorned.
The angels departure is marked by an emotional response from those left behind. The elderly man’s posture and facial expression convey deep reverence and perhaps sorrow at the parting. The standing figure appears to be offering a gesture of farewell, his hand raised in what could be interpreted as blessing or acknowledgement. The woman’s downcast eyes and leaning posture suggest a sense of melancholy or resignation.
The landscape visible beyond the terrace is expansive and somewhat bleak, with muted colors and indistinct features. This backdrop serves to emphasize the intimacy and emotional weight of the scene taking place on the immediate foreground. A vine-covered archway frames the family, creating a visual barrier between them and the viewer while simultaneously suggesting enclosure and protection.
Subtleties in the lighting contribute significantly to the painting’s overall effect. The strong contrast between light and shadow directs attention to key figures and details, enhancing the sense of drama and spiritual significance. The angel is illuminated by an ethereal glow, further separating it from the earthly realm. The use of a limited color palette – dominated by browns, blues, and reds – reinforces the solemnity of the occasion.
The painting seems to explore themes of divine intervention, familial bonds, and the bittersweet nature of parting. It evokes a sense of quiet contemplation and invites reflection on faith, loss, and the transient nature of earthly existence.