Artwork
allegory on the dew
allegory on the dew is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Anthoni Schoonjans. It dates from 1696 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1696, *Allegory on the Dew* is an oil painting executed in the Flemish Baroque idiom. The work depicts a solitary, winged female figure illuminated against a dark backdrop, her presence softened by a gentle smile and delicate curls. The composition centers on the figure’s interaction with a modest bouquet of flowers at her feet, a visual cue that ties directly to the title.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure, a celestial being with translucent wings, appears to be engaged in a quiet gesture, her right hand lightly touching the floral arrangement.
The central figure, a celestial being with translucent wings, appears to be engaged in a quiet gesture, her right hand lightly touching the floral arrangement. The flowers, positioned at ground level, suggest the transient nature of dew, hinting at themes of fragility and the fleeting moments of beauty that the title evokes. The overall mood is contemplative, inviting reflection on the delicate balance between the ethereal and the earthly.
Technique & Style
Schoonjans employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, contrasting the luminous flesh tones of the figure with the surrounding deep shadows. This treatment creates a subtle halo effect, giving the subject an almost otherworldly glow. The brushwork is smooth and refined, characteristic of Flemish Baroque painting, while the limited palette reinforces the dreamlike atmosphere and emphasizes the symbolic content over narrative detail.
History & Provenance
The Flemish artist Anthoni Schoonjans, active in several European courts such as Vienna and Copenhagen, produced the painting late in his career. After his death in 1726, the work entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek, where it remains part of the museum’s holdings of Baroque allegorical art. Its presence in the museum reflects the broader appreciation of Schoonjans’ contributions to portraiture and history painting.
Artist & collection
Artist
Anthoni Schoonjans, nicknamed Parhasius (1655 – 13 August 1726) was a Flemish painter known for his portraits as well as his history paintings.
Joseph and Potiphar's Wife
Self-portrait of Anthon Schoonjans (1655-1726)
Narcissus admires his reflection in the water
The mocking of Christ
Portrait of an old lady
Portrait of an unknown lady
Portrait of Anna Maria Luisa de' Medici, electress of the Palatine (1667-1743)
Jacob blames Laban of his deception with Lea (Genesis 29:25-27)
