Workshop of Peter Paul Rubens, Banquet of Herod, 1650, Oil on Canvas

Details

Description

Peter paul rubens (siegen 1577-antwerp 1640) workshop of
herod's banquet
early 17th century
oil on canvas (83 x 116 cm … Read more Peter paul rubens (siegen 1577-antwerp 1640) workshop of
herod's banquet
early 17th century
oil on canvas (83 x 116 cm - with antique frame 100 x 135 cm)

this exquisite painting, which shows a sumptuous banquet set in the hall of an aristocratic palace, depicts "herod's banquet"—the biblical episode from the gospel of matthew (14:3-11)—a much-loved iconographic subject in the baroque period, as it reflected the taste of the time for the depiction of strong, conflicting, and often fatal passions, as in our case, with the culminating moment of the martyrdom of saint john the baptist.

during king herod's birthday party, the beautiful princess salome performed a seductive dance for the enjoyment of the guests. Her dancing was so well received that king herod promised to reward her with anything she desired, even part of his kingdom.

the young girl went to seek advice from her mother, herodias, the king's mistress. Herodias, eager for revenge against john the baptist for publicly condemning her illicit marriage, ordered her to ask for the saint's head as a reward, displaying it on a silver platter as a trophy during the banquet.

in the flemish context, herod's feast was a theme perfectly suited to showcase baroque pomp, distinguished by its attention to luxurious details, costumes, and the psychological tension of the guests. The great master peter paul rubens (siegen 1577-antwerp 1640) created a masterful version around 1635, which can now be admired at the scottish national gallery in edinburgh.

the painting, commissioned by the wealthy flemish art dealer and collector gaspar roomer, who lived between naples and antwerp, had a huge influence on european painting, impressing europe's most illustrious collectors with its strong narrative tension.

the painting was therefore an immediate success, so much so that several replicas and copies exist in private and public collections. Our work, for example, is considered a qualitative version created by an artist from his workshop. Consider that rubens was one of the most influential flemish artists of the 17th century, and his studio in antwerp was famously well-organized, with countless assistants and students who played different roles in the production of his works, working for courts and patrons throughout europe.

similar copies:
- peter paul rubens, herod's feast, museum of fine arts, budapest.
- peter paul rubens (follower), the feast of herod, birmingham museums trust
- peter paul rubens (follower), the feast of herod, musée national de varsovie, m.ob.1460 mnw

additional information:

the painting is sold complete with an antique frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and an iconographic . This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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