Artwork

Ein bacchantisches Fest (zugeschrieben)

Ein bacchantisches Fest (zugeschrieben), by Gerard de Lairesse, oil, 1688
Ein bacchantisches Fest (zugeschrieben), by Gerard de Lairesse, oil, 1688

Ein bacchantisches Fest (zugeschrieben) is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Gerard de Lairesse. It dates from 1688 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Attributed to Gerard de Lairesse, 'Ein bacchantisches Fest' is a 1688 oil-on-canvas painting held at the Alte Pinakothek. It exemplifies the Flemish Baroque style.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a serene woman with a golden pitcher near a table, surrounded by cherubs playing with various objects. A ram's head hangs on the wall, and a glowing dome is visible in the background, suggesting a mythological or symbolic scene.

Technique & Style

The work showcases a strong contrast between light and dark, characteristic of the chiaroscuro technique. The figures are rendered with a sense of depth and volume, highlighting the artist's skill in handling light and shadow.

History & Provenance

De Lairesse, a Dutch Golden Age painter and art theorist, was influenced by French classicist painters and Cesare Ripa. He later published influential art theory treatises in the early 18th century.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Gerard de Lairesse

Artist

Gerard de Lairesse

Gerard or Gérard (de) Lairesse (French pronunciation: ; 11 September 1641 – June 1711) was a Dutch Golden Age painter and art theorist.