Diana and her nymphs, Jacques Muller (Utrecht 1630 - 1680) Signed: ‘J. Muller f(ecit).’

Jacques Muller (Utrecht 1630 - 1680) - Signed: ‘J. Muller f(ecit).’ Diana and the nymphs bathing in a cave Second half of the 17th century Oil on panel (50 x 65 - Framed 67 x 83 cm.) Complete details of the painting (click HERE) In a suggestive cave, the chaste Diana accompanied by her faithful nymphs and her greyhound has retired to regain her strength after a hunt. They are all gathered at the edge of a body of water in the center of the grotto, with the goddess intent on undressing, ready for a cool bath. The author has displayed incredible inventive verve to recreate the fantastic details that enrich the composition, with a series of sculptures, ruins, friezes, and architectural details in classical style, including a warrior who seems to guard the entrance to the cave, a classical sculpture of an ancient Roman consul, and a lion with an insignia placed on a large stone boulder. The interior of this cavern thus becomes a fragment of pure poetry, enveloped in a Baroque setting, offering us a strange but beautiful hymn to classical culture juxtaposed with feminine beauty. The painting, dating from the second half of the 17th century, echoes the famous compositions of the Flemish artist Abraham van Cuylenborch (Utrecht, 1620 - 1658), and is certainly the work of a skilled follower. Specifically, it is a work signed by the Flemish artist Jacques Muller (Utrecht 1630-c.1680), active in Utrecht around the mid-17th century and a student of Abraham van Cuylenburgh; he inherited a unique figurative repertoire from his master, with this type of cave representations dotted with details from antiquity, ruins, classical sculptures, and architectural fragments. For example, we can recall - Diana and her nymphs in a cave, Kremlin Museum, Russia (https://rkd.nl/images/257942) - Diana and nymphs in a cave, Nationalmuseum Stockholm (https://rkd.nl/images/252453) - Nymphs in a cave with ancient ruins, Private Collection (https://rkd.nl/images/275168) Jacques Muller was a highly talented painter, although many of his unsigned works have in the past been mistakenly attributed to the more famous master. What makes our work precious is precisely the presence of the signature, which links it to two signed paintings: the first, ‘Battle between Turks and Christians,’ with the same signature - J. Muller f(ecit).’ - as our painting, is conserved at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam (https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/nl/collectie/SK-A-1445), and another, ‘Figures in Oriental attire near ancient ruins,’ from a private collection (https://rkd.nl/images/6249). The interiors of these caverns, where the scenes always allude to the ruined state of monuments, should be interpreted as a sort of 'vanitas'; they are not only fascinating to observe but also subjects laden with strong moral significance. The scenery is not merely decorative and beautiful but aims to inspire the viewer to ponder profound religious and philosophical ideas, to meditate on death and resurrection, and on the ephemeral nature of life. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold complete with a beautiful gilded frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet. We handle and organize the transportation of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. Contact us for any information, we will be happy to assist you. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/