Herod's Banquet, Peter Paul Rubens (Siegen 1577- Antwerp 1640) workshop of

Peter Paul Rubens (Siegen 1577- Antwerp 1640) workshop of
Herod's banquet
Early 17th century
oil on canvas (83 x 116 cm. – with antique frame 100 x 135 cm.)

Details of the work (click HERE)

The valuable painting, which shows us a sumptuous banquet set in the hall of an aristocratic palace, depicts the 'Banquet of Herod' – the biblical episode taken from the Gospel of Matthew (14,3-11) – a much loved iconographic subject in the Baroque period, as it responded to the taste of the time for the representation of strong, contrasting, often fatal passions, as in our case, with the culminating moment of the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist.

During King Herod's birthday party, the beautiful Princess Salome performed a seductive dance for the pleasure of the guests: her dancing was so well received that King Herod promised to give her anything she desired as a reward, even part of his kingdom.

The young woman went to seek advice from her mother Herodias, the king's lover, who, eager for revenge against John the Baptist for having publicly condemned her illicit marriage, ordered her to ask for the Saint's head as a reward, displaying it as a trophy during the banquet on a silver platter.

In the Flemish context, Herod's Banquet was a theme that was perfectly suited to show off Baroque pomp, standing out for its attention to luxurious details, costumes and the psychological tension of the guests: the great master Peter Paul Rubens (Siegen 1577- Antwerp 1640) created a masterly version around 1635, which we can admire today at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh (inv./cat.no NG 2193, https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/5382).

The painting, commissioned by the very wealthy Flemish art dealer and collector Gaspar Roomer, who lived between Naples and Antwerp for work, had an enormous influence on European painting, impressing the most illustrious European collectors with its strong narrative tension.

The painting was therefore an immediate success, so much so that several replicas and copies exist in private and public collections. Our work, for example, can be considered a qualitative version created by an artist from his workshop. Consider that Rubens was one of the most influential Flemish artists of the 17th century, and his studio in Antwerp was famously well-organized, with countless assistants and students who played different roles in the production of his works, working for courts and patrons throughout Europe.

Similar copies:
– Peter Paul Rubens, Herod's Banquet, Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest.
– Peter Paul Rubens (follower), Herod's Banquet, Birmingham Museums Trust
https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/the-feast-of-herod-33222
– Peter Paul Rubens (follower), Herod's Banquet, Musée national de Varsovie, M.Ob.1460 MNW
https://cyfrowe.mnw.art.pl/en/catalog/442186

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with an antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a 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.

It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works.

Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information.

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