Jacques Muller (Utrecht 1630 - 1680) Firmato

Jacques Muller (Utrecht 1630 - 1680) Signed: '‘J. Muller f(ecit).’' Student of Abraham van Cuylenborch (Utrecht, 1620 - 1658) Diana and the nymphs bathing in a cave Second half of the 17th century Oil on panel (50 x 65 - Framed 67 x 83 cm)   In an evocative cave, the chaste Diana, accompanied by her faithful nymphs and her greyhound, has retreated to regain her strength after a hunting trip. They are all gathered at the edges of a body of water in the center of the recess, with the goddess intent on undressing, ready for a refreshing bath. The author has displayed an incredible inventive verve to recreate the fantastic details that enrich the composition, with a series of sculptures, ruins, friezes and architectural details of classic style, including a warrior who seems to guard the entrance of the cave, a classic sculpture of an ancient Roman consul and a lion with a symbol placed above a large stone boulder. The interior of this cave thus results in a fragment of pure poetry, wrapped in a Baroque-style context, proposing a strange but beautiful hymn to classical culture juxtaposed with female beauty. The painting, which dates back to the second half of the seventeenth century, is based on the famous compositions of the Flemish Abraham van Cuylenborch (Utrecht, 1620 - 1658), and is certainly the work of a capable follower of his. In particular, it is a work signed by the Flemish Jacques Muller (Utrecht 1630-c.1680), active in Utrecht around the middle of the seventeenth century and a student of Abraham van Cuylenburgh; from the master he inherits a singular figurative repertoire, with this type of cave representations studded with details taken from antiquity, ruins, classical sculptures and architectural fragments. As an example we can mention - Diana and her nymphs in a cave, Kremlin Museum, Russia (https://rkd.nl/images/257942) - Diana and nymphs in a cave, Nationalmuseum Stockholm (https://rkd.nl/images/252453) - Nymphs in a cave with ancient ruins, Coll. Private (https://rkd.nl/images/275168) Jacques Muller was a painter of great talent, although many of his unsigned works have in the past been erroneously attributed to the more famous master. What makes our works precious is in fact the presence of the signature, which links it to two signed paintings, the first '‘Battle between Turks and Christians’' with the same signature - J. Muller f(ecit).’ - of our painting is preserved at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/nl/collectie/SK-A-1445) and also ‘Figures in oriental clothes near ancient ruins’ in a private collection (https://rkd.nl/images/6249). The interiors of these caves, where the sceneries always allude to the state of ruin of the monuments, are to be interpreted as a sort of 'vanitas', are not only fascinating to observe but also subjects full of strong moral value. The scenery is not only decorative and beautiful, but aims to inspire the spectator to question deep religious and philosophical ideas, to meditate on death and resurrection, and on the ephemeral nature of life. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold complete with a beautiful golden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. Contact us for any information, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/