Artwork
The reception of Jan Karel de Cordes at the guild hall
The reception of Jan Karel de Cordes at the guild hall is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Balthasar van den Bossche. It dates from 1711 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
About this work
Overview
Balthasar van den Bossche, a Flemish painter active in the early 1700s, completed *The reception of Jan Karel de Cordes at the guild hall* in 1711. Executed in oil on canvas, the work is part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp’s collection and illustrates a formal gathering within a guild setting.
Subject & Meaning
The composition presents a ceremonial assembly of men in period dress, gathered in a spacious, dimly lit hall. A prominent staircase with sculptural decorations rises in the background, while a seated figure at a table, surrounded by documents, appears to be the focal point of a serious discussion, suggesting the event’s official nature.
Technique & Style
Van den Bossche employs a Rococo sensibility, evident in the decorative arrangement and lively interaction of figures. The painting’s chiaroscuro—strong contrasts of light and shadow—creates depth and emphasizes the interior’s architectural elements, while the brushwork remains refined, characteristic of early‑18th‑century Flemish oil painting.
History & Provenance
Created in 1711, the canvas entered the holdings of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces directly to the museum’s acquisition records, confirming its continuous presence in the institution’s Flemish art collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Balthasar van den Bossche (1681–1715) was a Flemish painter who is mainly known for his wide range of genre subjects and occasional portraits.
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