Artwork
The Ball
The Ball is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Hieronymus Janssens. It dates from 1662 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
The Ball, a 1662 oil painting by Flemish genre painter Hieronymus Janssens, captures a scene of refined social interaction, characteristic of the artist's oeuvre.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts an elegant gathering, likely a dance or social assembly, emphasizing the leisure activities of the refined classes, a hallmark of Janssens' work.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil paint, the work showcases Janssens' skill in rendering intimate, dynamic scenes of social elite, aligning with the Dutch Golden Age's emphasis on detailed, observational genre painting.
History & Provenance
Created in 1662, The Ball is now part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection, associating it with the esteemed holdings of the Dutch Golden Age.
Context
The painting contributes to the evolution of the 'conversation piece' genre, reflecting 17th-century Flemish societal values and leisure pursuits.
Legacy
As a work by 'Den danser' (The Dancer), The Ball reinforces Janssens' contribution to Flemish genre painting, particularly in scenes of elegant entertainment.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Hieronymus Janssens or Jeroom Janssens (nicknamed Den danser) (1624, Antwerp – 1693, Antwerp) was a Flemish genre painter known for his compositions depicting elegant companies engaging in dance, music or play, which…
