Who painted A Gathering of Gods?

A Gathering of Gods was painted by Cornelius van Poelenburgh in 1638.

Where can I see A Gathering of Gods?

A Gathering of Gods is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is A Gathering of Gods?

A Gathering of Gods is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

A Gathering of Gods

Cornelius van Poelenburgh , 1638

A Gathering of Gods is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Cornelius van Poelenburgh. It dates from 1638 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

A Gathering of Gods is a small-scale oil painting created by Cornelius van Poelenburgh in 1638, characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age. The work combines mythological figures with an idealized Italian landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a group of nude figures, identifiable as gods or goddesses due to their nudity and the presence of putti (cherubs). Key figures include a seated woman, a man holding grapes, and a kneeling bearded man gazing upwards, suggesting a scene of divine gathering or interaction.

Technique & Style

Van Poelenburgh employs chiaroscuro to create depth and volume in the figures, contrasting light and dark areas. The dreamy, cloudy landscape enhances the mythological ambiance, aligning with his Italianate style developed during his time in Rome.

History & Provenance

Created in 1638, the painting is now part of the collection at the Statens Museum for Kunst.

Context

Reflecting Van Poelenburgh's specialization, the work blends classical mythological themes with serene Italianate landscapes, typical of Dutch painters influenced by their time in 17th-century Rome.