Artwork

Ansichten aus den vier Weltteilen mit Szenen von Tieren: Berg Tabor

Ansichten aus den vier Weltteilen mit Szenen von Tieren: Berg Tabor 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: Berg Tabor is a late 17th-century Flemish Baroque painting by Ferdinand van Kessel the Elder, created circa 1682. It is one of a series depicting views from four continents, blending animal scenes with geographical elements.

Subject & Meaning

The painting portrays a fantastical, dynamic scene featuring a large, aggressive brown creature attacking colorful, long-necked dragons and birds amidst lush vegetation. The subject reflects the European Baroque fascination with exoticism and naturalistic depictions of wildlife.

Technique & Style

Characterized by vibrant colors and energetic compositions, the work showcases van Kessel's Baroque style, emphasizing movement and interaction among the subjects. The foreground and background are clearly delineated, with detailed textures in both the creatures and the landscape.

History & Provenance

Created around 1682, the painting is part of the Kunsthistorisches Museum's collection. It represents van Kessel's contribution to the period's trend of illustrating exotic subjects in naturalistic settings, a common theme among European artists of the time.

Context

Produced during the late 17th century, the work aligns with the era's artistic trends, which often featured monkeys in landscapes and still lifes—a specialty of van Kessel. The series from which it comes highlights the contemporary interest in global, exotic themes.