Artwork
The judgement of Midas
The judgement of Midas is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Adriaen van Stalbemt. It dates from 1621 and is held in the collection of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.
About this work
Overview
Adriaen van Stalbemt’s oil painting *The Judgement of Midas* was executed in 1621. Executed in the Flemish Baroque style, the work is part of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister’s collection. It presents a mythological episode set in a wooded landscape, rendered with the painter’s characteristic attention to detail and colour.
Subject & Meaning
The composition illustrates the moment from classical mythology when King Midas, crowned and robed, is surrounded by attendants and musicians. The surrounding figures either observe the king or play instruments, emphasizing the theme of judgment and the power of music in the narrative.
Technique & Style
Van Stalbemt employs a rich palette and fine brushwork to model textures—from the foliage to the fabrics of the figures. The oil medium allows for subtle glazes that enhance depth, while the crowded foreground creates a lively, almost theatrical atmosphere typical of Flemish Baroque interiors.
History & Provenance
Although van Stalbemt is best known for contributing staffage to other artists’ landscapes, this independent work demonstrates his capacity for full compositions. The painting entered the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister’s holdings in the 19th century, where it remains on display as an example of early‑17th‑century Flemish mythological painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Adriaen or Adriaan van Stalbemt or Adriaen van Stalbempt (12 June 1580 – 21 September 1662) was a Flemish painter and printmaker who is known for his landscapes with religious, mythological and allegorical scenes.
