Artwork
Saint Philip Benitius
Saint Philip Benitius is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Hendrick van Balen the Elder. It dates from 1611 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
About this work
Overview
Saint Philip Benitius is a small panel painting executed in oil by Hendrick van Balen the Elder circa 1611, characteristic of his expertise in creating intimate cabinet pictures.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays a revered religious figure, identified by the inscription 'S PHILIPPVS' as Saint Philip Benitius, distinguished by his long robe, cross, and book, conveying piety and spiritual authority on a pedestal.
Technique & Style
Van Balen employed chiaroscuro, juxtaposing strong light and dark contrasts against a deep red background, to imbue the composition with depth and three-dimensionality, hallmarks of the Flemish Baroque.
History & Provenance
Created during van Balen's active period in the early 17th century, the work reflects his dual role as a painter and stained glass designer, later influencing students like Anthony van Dyck.
Context
Saint Philip Benitius sits within van Balen's thematic focus on religious subjects, alongside mythological themes, contributing to the revitalization of Flemish painting during the Flemish Baroque movement.
Legacy
Through his teachings, notably to Anthony van Dyck, van Balen's stylistic approaches, as seen in this work, impacted subsequent generations of artists.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hendrick van Balen or Hendrick van Balen I (c. 1573–1575 – 17 July 1632) was a Flemish Baroque painter and stained glass designer. Hendrick van Balen specialised in small cabinet pictures often painted on a copper…
The Banquet of the Gods. The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis
Diana Offered Wine and Fruit by the Young Bacchus and his Retinue
The Holy Family
Adoration of the Magi
Europa riding the bull
The wedding of Thetis and Peleus
Diana Offered Wine and Fruit by Bacchus and his Retinue
Blomsterkrans med Jesus og Johannes
