Artwork
The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis
The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Joachim Wtewael. It dates from 1612 and is held in the collection of the Clark Art Institute. Created in 1612, this copper painting portrays the mythic marriage of the mortal hero Peleus and the sea‑goddess Thetis.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1612, this copper painting portrays the mythic marriage of the mortal hero Peleus and the sea‑goddess Thetis. The composition teems with figures gathered around banquet tables, set against a backdrop of trees and a clear sky, conveying a festive atmosphere that captures the celebratory moment of the divine wedding.
Subject & Meaning
The work visualizes the ancient Greek story of Peleus and Thetis, whose union was attended by gods and mortals alike. By populating the scene with both clothed and nude participants, the artist emphasizes the blend of earthly revelry and divine presence, suggesting themes of harmony between humanity and the supernatural.
Technique & Style
Executed on a copper support, the painting displays the artist’s hallmark Mannerist elegance: elongated figures arranged in intricate, twisting poses, and a polished surface that enhances fine details. The careful rendering of fruits, dishes, and fabric, combined with subtle contrasts of light and shadow, reflects a sophisticated handling of chiaroscuro within a highly decorative framework.
History & Provenance
The piece was produced by Joachim Wtewael, a prominent Utrecht painter known for his intricate compositions during the early 17th century. It remains part of the collection at the Clark Art Institute, where it continues to represent the artist’s commitment to a refined Mannerist aesthetic amid the period’s growing naturalistic tendencies.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Joachim Anthoniszoon Wtewael (Dutch pronunciation: ; 1566 – 1 August 1638), also known as Uytewael (pronounced ), was a Dutch Mannerist painter and draughtsman, as well as a highly successful flax merchant, and town councillor of Utrecht.
Feast of the Gods (The Marriage of Peleus and Thetis)
The Marriage of Peleus and Thetis
The Feast of the Gods. The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis
The Feast of the Gods. The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis
The wedding of Thetis and Peleus
Feast of the Gods - The Marriage of Peleus and Thetis
The wedding of Thetis and Peleus
The Banquet of the Gods. The Wedding of Peleus and Thetis
The feast of the gods at the wedding of Peleus and Thetis
The wedding banquet of Bacchus and Ariadne