Who painted The Phoenix?

The Phoenix was painted by Cornelis Troost in 1750.

Where can I see The Phoenix?

The Phoenix is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is The Phoenix?

The Phoenix is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

The Phoenix

Cornelis Troost , 1750

The Phoenix is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Cornelis Troost. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Cornelis Troost’s oil work dated around 1750, titled The Phoenix, belongs to the Rococo period and is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. The composition centers on a vivid red bird with outstretched wings hovering against a softly clouded sky, framed by a gilded ornamental border that contains a small painted visage within a wreath.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a stylised phoenix, the legendary fire‑bird associated with regeneration and rebirth. By placing the creature in an ethereal, mist‑filled atmosphere, the painting evokes the mythic cycle of destruction and renewal, inviting contemplation of transformation within a decorative, almost dreamlike setting.

Technique & Style

Troost employs smooth, blended brushwork characteristic of Rococo elegance, allowing light to glide across the bird’s feathers and create a gentle glow. Subtle gradations of tone produce a chiaroscuro effect that models the form without harsh contrast, while the pastel sky and delicate coloration enhance the work’s airy, decorative quality.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1750, The Phoenix has remained in Dutch public ownership, ultimately entering the Rijksmuseum’s holdings where it is displayed among other 18th‑century works. Its attribution to Troost, a noted Dutch painter of genre scenes, aligns with his occasional forays into allegorical and mythological subjects.