Jupiter and Antiope, Anthoon van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 – London 1641) follower

Anthony van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 – London 1641) follower

Large canvas depicting 'The myth of Jupiter and Antiope'
(Ovid's Meramorphoses, Book VI)

Oil painting on canvas

116 x 150 cm. – with frame 133 x 165 cm.

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We share a valuable work, capable of fascinating any connoisseur or collector of works from the Flemish Golden Age: we are talking about a painting that reproduces the famous 'Jupiter and Antiope' created by Anthony van Dyck (Antwerp 1599 – London 1641) in 1620, and of which several examples are known, one of which is in the collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent, another in the Wallraf-Richartz Museum in Cologne (image1 and image2).

This episode, taken from Book VI of Ovid's Metamorphoses, shows the seduction of the nymph Antiope by the God Jupiter. The beautiful nymph, asleep and lying on the ground wrapped in a red cloth, was seduced by the Lord of Olympus, who for the occasion took the form of a satyr, unable to have her in the divine form.

Van Dyck depicts here the moment of initial deception, when Antiope abandons herself in the embrace of Jupiter, who lasciviously creeps silently towards her bed with his hand outstretched to touch her. He is depicted with the horns and hairy legs of a satyr, while his muscular build and the eagle in the background allude to his true identity as Jupiter, king of the gods.

The plasticity of the figures and the combination of intense and bright colours are exceptional and enhance the sensual character of this composition, enhanced by the bold and sculptural poses.

It should be considered that Van Dyck was just 20 years old when he created this painting, demonstrating a surprising artistic maturity, with a scene with a strong sensual character, and his virtuosity in immortalising nude figures.

The painting was in fact immediately appreciated by seventeenth-century collectors who, under the pretext of the mythological theme, had the excuse of admiring subjects with markedly erotic tones (always considering the historical context) without fear of repercussions.

The success of the work favored its conspicuous diffusion, so much so that today we know of numerous paintings created by artists chronologically close to Van Dyck or active at a time immediately after the creation, to please some client who wished to have his own version.

In our opinion, the finely executed painting presented here is the work of a Flemish artist, active between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, to be found among the followers of Anthony van Dyck, a masterly reworking of his masterpiece.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is in good condition with some restorations on the surface.

The painting is sold complete with a pleasant golden 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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