Artwork

Ansichten aus den vier Weltteilen mit Szenen von Tieren: Luanda (Angola)

Ansichten aus den vier Weltteilen mit Szenen von Tieren: Luanda (Angola) is an unspecified painting by Ferdinand van Kessel the Elder. It dates from 1682 and is held in the collection of the Kunsthistorisches Museum.

About this work

Overview

Ansichten aus den vier Weltteilen mit Szenen von Tieren: Luanda (Angola) is a 1682 painting by Flemish Baroque artist Ferdinand van Kessel the Elder, known for landscapes, still lifes, and scenes featuring monkeys. This work is part of a series showcasing views from four continents with animal scenes, focusing on Luanda, Angola.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a fantastical seascape centered on a large, blue squid with extended tentacles. Additional elements include various sea creatures (fish, a possible mermaid), flying birds, and a cloudy gray sky. The squid dominates the composition, yet the detailed background invites exploration.

Technique & Style

Characterized by meticulous detail, the painting exhibits Van Kessel's Baroque sensibilities through its layered, dynamic composition and the interplay of fantastical and naturalistic elements.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1682, the painting is housed in the Kunsthistorisches Museum's collection, highlighting its recognized value within the artist's oeuvre and Baroque art.

Context

Part of a broader series exploring global views with animal themes, this work reflects 17th-century European fascination with exotic locales and the natural world, blended with mythological hints.

Legacy

As a representative of Van Kessel's diverse output, the painting contributes to the artist's reputation for versatile, detailed Baroque compositions, appealing to those interested in the period's intersection of realism and fantasy.