Peeter Gysels (1621-1690) Elegant couple visiting a garden

Oil on copper
Housed in a 17th century style black frame
Joined with a certificate of Dr. Luuk Pijl
Provenance: Paris, Galerie Cailleux 1953


Peeter Gijsels was a Flemish painter, known for his landscapes, architectural compositions, genre pieces and still lifes. In addition to village scenes Gijsels also painted landscape compositions with elegant figures such as this one.

A captivating scene unfolds in the painting titled "A Villa Garden with Elegant Figures." This richly detailed composition invites viewers into a world where the vibrant palette of nature mingles with the refined presence of elegant figures in a sumptuous villa garden.
Color takes center stage in Gijsels' masterpiece, as a harmonious symphony of rich and vibrant hues creates a stunning visual tapestry. The palette dances with shades of green, red, and yellow, capturing the diversity of fruits and vegetables that populate the scene, each brushstroke bringing life to cauliflowers, courgettes, melons, apples, and more.
There is a small man-made river, gracefully guiding a path alongside it. Figures on horseback and on foot leisurely traverse the path in the background, leading to a smaller house nestled in the distance. In the foreground, an opulent display of legumes and vegetables adorns the scene, creating a feast for the eyes.
Amidst the verdant splendor, a peacock couple adds a touch of regal allure. An elegant couple strolls into the scene, their daughter following in their wake. Potted tulips and rose bushes, along with the trailing tendrils of common ivy, contribute to the lush ambiance of the garden.
A captivating fountain graces the left side of the composition, a testament to both artistry and functionality. Two tiers rise elegantly, supported by satyrs bearing the upper bowl on their backs, water sprouting from their mouths. Servants, diligently engaged in tending to the flora, add a layer of bustling activity to the tranquil scene.
In the background, a meticulously manicured garden reveals itself, adorned with bushes sculpted into geometric shapes. A luxurious villa stands as the crowning jewel, overseeing the splendor of nature and human craftsmanship.
Peeter Gijsels' "A Villa Garden with Elegant Figures" is not merely a painting; it's an immersive experience into a world where nature's bounty meets the sophistication of human cultivation. Through Gijsels' expert composition, viewers are transported to a realm of opulence and tranquility, where the vibrant garden and the elegant figures coalesce into a visual feast for the senses.