French or Spanish work; circa 1760. Lot n° 30

French or Spanish work; circa 1760. "Mythological Scene." Oil on wood panel. Preserves original frame. Measurements: 90 x 76 cm. Due to the format of this work it is necessary to mention that it was probably originally conceived as part of a larger set, perhaps a door of a stroller or paravent. As for the mythological scene it represents it is difficult to quote or specify since there are many elements, first, located in the upper left area a goddess sitting in a chariot carrying a torch, next to her two snakes coiled together, attributes that can be attributed to the goddess Demeter. In the case of the male character, who is dressed as a warrior, he is presented besieging an animal that he seems to be giving to drink. The animal has the face of a feline or canid, a female body and a serpent's tail, characteristics that do not quite fit the description of the Chimera, the Cancerberus, or Ceto, mythological animals that were defeated by heroes. To conform the scene the artist has based himself on a classic and simple composition of triangular character, which allows the spatial facility at the time of establishing the narration of a scene as in this case. The drawing is enhanced with a very refined technique that allows the inclusion of detail and thoroughness, an example of this is the helmet of the main character. The academicism is a direct inheritance of classicism, and hence the predilection for themes such as the one presented here, taken from mythology, although captured from a sensual and decorative point of view away from the solemnity of ancient classical art. Hence also the way of approaching the subject, recreating the mythological figures in a totally new way. However, we can appreciate an ideal of beauty that is not based on reality, although the painter's study of nature is undeniable, but rather an idealism based on reality due to his sum of experience, that is, an aesthetic sublimation that reflects a beauty that transcends reality.