Artwork

The Feast of the Gods. The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis

The Feast of the Gods. The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis, by Unknown, 1550
The Feast of the Gods. The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis, by Unknown, 1550

The Feast of the Gods. The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1550 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created around 1550 by the artist identified as 30784_person, this image titled “The Feast of the Gods.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1550 by the artist identified as 30784_person, this image titled “The Feast of the Gods. The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis” is part of the collection at the Museum of Ethnography. It depicts a celebratory banquet set in an open, verdant landscape, with figures gathered around tables laden with food and drink.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates the mythological wedding of the mortal Peleus and the sea‑goddess Thetis, a narrative traditionally associated with feasting and divine hospitality. The presence of both clothed and nude participants, along with the convivial interaction, underscores themes of abundance, communal joy, and the blending of mortal and divine realms.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a manner that recalls classical banquet scenes, the work balances figures against a lush natural backdrop of trees and water. While the precise handling of light and shadow is not detailed, the arrangement suggests an awareness of spatial depth and a possible use of chiaroscuro to model the figures.

History & Provenance

The piece dates to the mid‑16th century and is presently housed in the Museum of Ethnography. No further information on its acquisition or earlier ownership is provided in the available records.

Context

During the period around 1550, European artists frequently revisited mythological subjects, integrating them with contemporary banquet imagery. This work aligns with that trend, merging a classical story with a genre scene that would have resonated with patrons interested in both antiquity and the pleasures of the table.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known