Gazette Drouot logo print

Pieter Lisaert Allegory of the five senses Attributed...

Price Tax incl.:
6800 EUR

Pieter Lisaert Allegory of the five senses Attributed to Pieter Lisaert IV (Antwerp, 1595-1629) 17th-century Antwerp school Oil on oak panel Dimensions: panel: h. 24 cm, l. 42 cm 17th-century Italian gilded wood frame Framed dimensions: h. 34 cm, l. 53 cm Our attractive painting on wood immediately catches the eye with its bright, vivid colors, and at first glance depicts a galant feast in a castle. Yet this feast symbolically introduces, through the intertwined couples, the allegory of the five senses. The work is attributed to Pieter Lisaert XIV, an Antwerp painter whose religious and allegorical works follow in the footsteps of Frans Francken II, of whom he was a contemporary. In a refined interior, five elegantly and richly dressed couples are enjoying themselves. Each couple represents a meaning. On the left, the sense of Hearing is illustrated by the musical couple, with a gentleman in a feathered hat playing the lute, while his sweetheart with her ample cleavage plays the organ. To the right, the sense of Touch, as the loving couple embrace and kiss. In the center of the panel, the sense of Smell is personified by a young man in a black hat and cape offering flowers to a young aristocrat dressed in flamboyant red, who delicately approaches a rose to her nose. In the background, the sense of Sight, a couple of art lovers examine a painting hanging on the wall. The lady looks attentively at her partner, no doubt awaiting his impressions of the work. Finally, in the last shot, the sense of Taste, illustrated by a couple at a table, the young woman sipping red wine. Allegorical subjects were highly appreciated by Flemish high society to decorate their reception rooms and private salons. Allegorical paintings in vogue in Antwerp during this period mainly evoked the senses, the elements and the seasons. Our painting is thus a wonderful testimony to European customs, opulence and the art of living in the early 17th century. Related works : 1) Parable of ten virgins, Dorotheum auction, Vienna, 04/09/2014 2) Parable of ten virgins, Prado National Museum, Madrid 3) Allegory of the Five Senses, Piasa auction, Paris, 03/27/2008 Pieter Lisaert IV (Antwerp 1595-1629/30) A member of the dynasty of painters established in Antwerp since 1520, he was appointed Master of the Guild of Saint Luke in 1615. He is best known for his religious subjects. He was also a wealthy art dealer.

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