Anthoon van Dyck (Anversa 1599 - Londra 1641)

Follower of Anthoon van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 - London 1641) Large canvas depicting 'The Myth of Jupiter and Antiope' (Ovid's Metamorphoses, Book VI) Oil on canvas 116 x 150 cm. - with frame 133 x 165 cm. FULL DETAILS (click HERE) We share a valuable work, capable of captivating any connoisseur or collector of works from the Flemish Golden Age: we are talking about a painting that reoffers the famous 'Jupiter and Antiope' made by Anthoon van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 - London 1641) in 1620, and of which several examples are known, one of which is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent, another in the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne (imm1 and imm2). This episode, taken from Book VI of Ovid's Metamorphoses, shows the seduction of the nymph Antiope by the God Jupiter. The beautiful nymph, asleep and lying on the ground wrapped in a red cloth, was seduced by the Lord of Olympus, who for the occasion took on the appearance of a satyr, not being able to have her in the divine form. Van Dyck depicts here the moment of the initial deception, when Antiope abandons herself in Jupiter's embrace, who lasciviously creeps silently towards her bed with his hand outstretched to touch her. He is depicted with the horns and hairy legs of a satyr, while his muscular build and the eagle in the background allude to his true identity as Jupiter, king of the gods. The plasticity of the figures and the combination of intense and bright colors are exceptional and enhance the sensual character of this composition, enhanced by the bold and sculptural poses. Consider that Van Dyck was only 20 years old when he made this painting, demonstrating surprising artistic maturity, with a scene with a strong sensual character, and his virtuosity in immortalizing nude figures. The painting, in fact, was immediately appreciated by seventeenth-century collectors who, under the pretext of the mythological theme, had the excuse to admire subjects with markedly erotic tones (always considering the historical context) without fear of repercussions. The success of the work favored its considerable diffusion, so much so that numerous paintings made by artists chronologically close to Van Dyck or active in a moment immediately following the creation are known to date, to satisfy some client who wanted to hold their own version. It is our opinion that the painting presented here, finely executed, is the work of a Flemish author, active between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, to be sought among the followers of Anthony van Dyck, reworking his masterpiece with great mastery. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is in a good state of preservation with some restorations on the surface. The painting is sold complete with a pleasant gilded frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic sheet. We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. If you wish to see this or other works in person, we will be happy to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, in Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We are waiting for you! Contact us for any information or to organize a visit, we will be happy to answer you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/