Artwork
The Feast of the Gods. The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis
The Feast of the Gods. The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Jan Brueghel, the elder. It dates from 1610 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Jan Brueghel the Elder, a Flemish painter of the early 17th century, completed The Feast of the Gods.
About this work
Overview
This painting, executed on a copper support, exemplifies the Flemish Baroque style prevalent during his active period.
Jan Brueghel the Elder, a Flemish painter of the early 17th century, completed The Feast of the Gods. The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis in 1610. This painting, executed on a copper support, exemplifies the Flemish Baroque style prevalent during his active period. It depicts a complex mythological gathering, characteristic of Brueghel's diverse oeuvre, which often included scenes from classical antiquity and collaborations with contemporaries like Peter Paul Rubens.
Subject & Meaning
The painting illustrates the mythological wedding feast of Peleus and the sea nymph Thetis, a pivotal event in Greek mythology. Set within a lush forest, the scene teems with numerous figures, both mortal and divine, celebrating around tables laden with elaborate dishes and drinks. The presence of a trident among the revelers alludes to the marine origins of the bride, while floating cherubic figures further emphasize the supernatural nature of the gathering.
Technique & Style
Brueghel's work is rendered on copper, a support that allowed for meticulous detail and a smooth finish, typical of Flemish Baroque painting. The composition is densely populated, featuring a multitude of figures, objects, and architectural elements within a natural setting. This intricate arrangement, combining elements of a lively banquet with mythological grandeur, showcases Brueghel's skill in integrating diverse visual narratives and his capacity for detailed execution.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Brueghel the Elder ( BROY-gəl, US also BROO-gəl; Dutch: ; 1568 – 13 January 1625) was a Flemish painter and draughtsman.
