Artwork
The Israelites in the Desert
The Israelites in the Desert 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
The Israelites in the Desert is a 1611 oil painting on copper by Hendrick van Balen the Elder, a Flemish Baroque artist. Characteristic of his small-scale cabinet pictures, the work depicts a dynamic scene with multiple figures in a desert setting.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates a biblical narrative, showing the Israelites during their desert wanderings. Figures engage in various activities around a central tree, conveying a sense of community and everyday life amidst their journey.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint on copper, the painting exemplifies Van Balen's Flemish Baroque style: vivid, expressive, and detailed, with an emphasis on capturing movement and interaction among the numerous figures.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1611, the painting is part of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp's collection. Van Balen, influential in the Flemish Baroque revival, also taught notable artists like Anthony van Dyck.
Context
While Van Balen frequently explored mythological and allegorical themes, The Israelites in the Desert represents one of his less common religious subjects, reflecting the broader artistic trends of early 17th-century Flanders.
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…
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