Offered by Galerie Nicolas Lenté
16th to 18th century furniture, paintings and works of art
The Triumph of the Infant Bacchus,
Workshop of Hendrick Van Balen (1575-1632)
Antwerp, c.1630
Oil on copper, h. 28 cm (11.02 in), w. 35 cm (13.78 in)
A large Roman 17th century golden tortoiseshell veneered frame
Framed: h. 52 cm (20.47 in.), w. 58 cm (22.83 in)
Our finely painted work depicts The Triumph of the Bacchus as a young boy and is one of the most popular mythological subjects in Antwerp at the beginning of the 17th century. Feasting, wine and fun are the themes that constantly appeal to the public.
Thus unfolds before our eyes on our painting the procession composed of nymphs, baccantes, fauns, satyrs and children, their bodies naked, partially covered with brightly coloured draperies that help to brighten up the parade. Playing various instruments, dancing and drinking, while carrying vases and poles adorned with grapevines, participants to the rhythm of a noisy brass band make their way to an ancient temple standing on the right. The exaggerated gestures convey to us the frenzy of the excited crowd.
The Child Bacchus follows the joyous procession, carried by satyrs and nymphs, crowned with ivy and joyfully raising a cup of wine. In the foreground, the drunken participants leave the procession, the children on the left and the group of bacchantes and satyrs on the right are resting among various objects scattered at their feet: cups, vases, ewers bear witness to the festivities in progress.
In the background, a hilly landscape stretches out on the horizon, a semblance of calm that contrasts with the bustle of the foreground.
The artist strives to multiply the many details, whether it be figures, costumes, flowers or vegetation, in order to demonstrate his know-how and the perfection of his execution.
The acidulous palette with fresh and varied colours is characteristic of Hendrick Van Balen's works.
There are several versions identical to ours with similar dimensions painted by Hendrick Van Balen and his workshop.
Related works:
• Koller Auction, Zurich, 21/09/2007, oil on copper, 28,5 x 37,4 cm.
• Staatliche Kunsthalle, Karlsruhe, Inv. N° 809 (oil on copper, 40 x 53,5 cm)
• Auktionshaus für Altertümer Glückselig, Vienne, 10/05/1932, ( oil on copper, 34 x 42 cm)
• Gemäldegalerie of Pommersfelden, Schloss Weissenstein, oil on panel, 47 x 64 cm
Hendrick Van Balen, Flemish painter, born and died in Antwerp (1575-1632). A pupil of Adam Van Noort, he entered the Guild of St. Luke in 1593, later trained in Italy and was Van Dyck's first teacher. He often painted small figures taken from scenes from the Bible or classical mythology, on paintings whose backgrounds and landscapes were painted by Josse de Momper or the Brueghels.
