Artwork
Jason reißt dem Drachen die Zähne aus
Jason reißt dem Drachen die Zähne aus is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Filippo Lauri. It dates from 1658 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Filippo Lauri’s 1658 oil painting, titled “Jason reißt dem Drachen die Zähne aus,” is part of the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich. The work captures a dramatic encounter between a armored figure and a serpentine creature, rendered against a darkened backdrop that heightens the sense of movement and tension.
Subject & Meaning
The composition portrays a heroic figure, identifiable as the mythic Jason, seizing a dragon‑like beast. He is shown in a forward‑leaning stance, helmeted and cloaked, with one hand gripping the creature’s head and the other holding its body. The scene suggests a moment of triumph over a formidable adversary, echoing classical themes of bravery and conquest.
Technique & Style
Lauri employs strong chiaroscuro, juxtaposing illuminated forms against deep shadows to model the figures and convey a theatrical atmosphere. The contrast accentuates the muscular tension of the combatants, while the subdued background recedes, focusing the viewer’s eye on the central action. The brushwork is precise, especially in the rendering of armor and the creature’s scales.
History & Provenance
Created in 1658, the painting entered the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings at an unspecified later date, where it remains on display. Its attribution to Lauri, a Roman painter active in the mid‑17th century, is supported by stylistic analysis and archival records linking the work to his oeuvre.
Artist & collection
