Dionysus, Northern Caravaggio artist active in Rome in the 1592th century, Workshop of Gerard van Honthorst (Utrecht, 1656 – XNUMX)

Northern Caravaggesque active in Rome in the 17th century
Workshop of Gerard van Honthorst (Utrecht, 1592 – Utrecht, 1656)

Dionysus/Bacchus (as an allegory of taste)

oil painting on canvas

65 x 52 cm. – In antique frame 82 x 68 cm.

The analysis of the composition and style of this interesting portrait, which depicts Dionysus (commonly known as Bacchus) sipping a cup of wine, allows us to associate its execution with the workshop of the Flemish Gerard van Honthorst (Utrecht, 1592 – Utrecht, 1656).

A Dutch painter of great talent, he was a leading member – together with Dirck van Baburen and Hendrick ter Brugghen – of the 'Utrecht Caravaggisti', a group of artists who moved from the Dutch city to Rome at the beginning of the 17th century where they were fascinated by the painting of Caravaggio.

Deeply influenced by the innovation of the great master, upon their return to their homeland, they introduced into their works the same realism in the choice of subjects and the intense chiaroscuro.

The close-up, almost life-size composition gives the work realism and immediacy, further enlivened by dramatic lighting effects that highlight the ruddy complexion of our drinker.

We find this type of subject in many of his compositions, thanks to which the artist acquired great collector's fortune, in which the almost caricatural definition of the characters is accompanied by an iconography of great character.

Dionysus, god of wine and drunkenness, has large dark eyes looking out at the viewer, slightly red lips, nose and cheeks, and shoulder-length curly hair: the figure's relaxed attitude and grinning expression clearly indicate that he is under the influence of the drink.

The theme of the pleasure of food, and in particular of cheerful drinkers, already loved by Italian art in the Caravaggio style, therefore enjoyed great popularity also among Flemish authors, who imported these subjects into Northern Europe.

In the painter's catalogue we can identify many, but among those most similar to the painting we propose there are 'Young Bacchus Squeezing Grapes into a Bowl' from the National Trust (National Trust, Hatchlands, England) or 'Young Man with a Flask of Wine and Cheese' (Christie's 5 Dec 2020) and 'Merry Violinist' (Hermitage St. Petersburg).

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with a pleasant golden wooden frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

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