Gazette Drouot logo print

Hendrick Van Balen (1575-1632) The Triumph of...

Price Tax incl.:
16800 EUR

Hendrick Van Balen (1575-1632) The Triumph of Bacchus as a Child Workshop of Hendrick Van Balen (1575-1632) Antwerp, circa 1630 Oil on copper Dimensions: h. 28 cm, l. 35 cm Large frame in tortoiseshell veneer on a gold background, Rome, 17th century Framed: h. 52 cm, w. 58 cm Our finely painted work illustrates the triumph of Bacchus as a child, and is one of the mythological subjects most popular in Antwerp in the early 17th century. Feasting, wine and fun were endlessly popular themes. In our painting, the procession of nymphs, baccantes, fauns, satyrs and children unfolds before our eyes, their naked bodies partially covered with brightly colored draperies that help to enliven the parade. Playing various instruments, dancing and drinking, while carrying vases and poles adorned with pampers, the participants march to the rhythm of a noisy fanfare towards an ancient temple standing on the right. Exaggerated gestures convey the frenzy of the excited crowd. The Infant Bacchus follows the joyous procession, carried by satyrs and nymphs, crowned with ivy and happily raising a cup of wine. In the foreground, the intoxicated participants leave the procession, while the child soules on the left and the group of bacchantes and satyrs on the right rest among the various objects scattered at their feet: cups, vases and ewers bear witness to the festivities in progress. In the background, a hilly landscape stretches to the horizon, a semblance of calm that contrasts with the bustle of the foreground. The artist is at pains to multiply the numerous details, be they figures, costumes, flowers or vegetation, in order to demonstrate his skill and the perfection of his execution. Hendrick Van Balen's acidic palette of fresh, varied colors is characteristic of his work. Hendrick Van Balen and his workshop painted several versions identical to this one, but of similar dimensions. Related works: - Sale Koller, Zurich, 21/09/2007 Oil on copper. 28.5 x 37.4 cm. - Staatliche Kunsthalle, Karlsruhe, Inv. N° 809, oil on copper, 40 x 53.5 cm - Auktionshaus für Altertümer Glückselig sale, Vienna, Dr. Schuller collection, 10/05/1932, oil on copper, 34 x 42 cm - Galerie des Beaux-Arts de Pommersfelden, Schloss Weissenstein, oil on panel, 47 x 64 cm Hendrick Van Balen, Flemish painter, born and died in Antwerp (1575-1632). A pupil of Adam Van Noort, he joined the Saint Luke's guild in 1593, later training in Italy and becoming Van Dyck's first master. He often painted small figures taken from scenes in the Bible or classical mythology, in pictures in which Josse de Momper or the Brueghels painted backgrounds and landscapes.

Galerie Nicolas Lenté
2, rue des Saints-Pères
75007 Paris