Stomer painted this subject on several occasions throughout his career, each time with slight variations of palette and composition. The handling of the light in this painting is very close to that of Honthorst which could indicate that the picture is from the artist’s Roman period in the early 1630s. The hot colouring, sharp contrast of tone and strident expressions are all typical of Stomer throughout his career.  The artist has concealed the single light source of the candle with dramatic effect.

‍