Artwork
Das Gastmahl des Belsazar (zugeschrieben)
Das Gastmahl des Belsazar (zugeschrieben) is an unspecified painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Johann Heinrich Schönfeld. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1646, this oil painting—often linked to Johann Heinrich Schönfeld—depicts an elaborate banquet scene. The composition centers on a long table surrounded by a sizable assembly of figures in period dress, some bearing swords and shields. The setting is a dimly lit interior illuminated by candles and a chandelier, highlighting the gathering’s ceremonial atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The work portrays a festive or ritualized feast, likely referencing the biblical story of Belshazzar’s banquet. Participants are shown in their finest attire, suggesting a moment of opulent celebration or a solemn rite. The inclusion of weaponry hints at a martial or royal context, reinforcing the narrative’s themes of power, excess, and impending judgment.
Technique & Style
The artist employs a strong chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated figures and objects against a deep, shadowed background. This lighting scheme accentuates the textures of fabrics, metal, and glass, while the crowded composition creates a sense of depth. Brushwork is vigorous, characteristic of mid‑17th‑century German Baroque, emphasizing drama and movement within the scene.
History & Provenance
Attributed to Johann Heinrich Schönfeld, a prominent German Baroque painter, the canvas entered the collection of the Alte Pinakothek in Munich, where it remains on display. Its attribution, while widely accepted, is noted as uncertain in some catalogues, reflecting ongoing scholarly discussion about the work’s authorship.
Artist & collection
Artist
Johann Heinrich Schönfeld (1609–1684) was an artist, born in Biberach an der Riß.
