The Feast of Herod, workshop of Peter Paul Rubens (Siegen 1577- Antwerp 1640)

Workshop of Peter Paul Rubens (Siegen 1577- Antwerp 1640) The Feast of Herod Early 17th century Oil on canvas (83 x 116 cm - with antique frame 100 x 135 cm) Work details (click HERE) This fine painting, showing a sumptuous banquet set in the hall of an aristocratic palace, depicts the 'Feast of Herod' - the biblical episode from the Gospel of Matthew (14,3-11) - an iconographic subject much loved in the Baroque period, as it responded to the taste of the time for the representation of strong, contrasting, 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 pleasure of the diners: her dance was so pleasing that King Herod promised to give her as a reward anything she wanted, even part of his kingdom. The young girl went to ask advice from her mother Herodias, the king's lover, who, eager for revenge against John the Baptist for publicly condemning her illicit marriage, ordered her to ask as a reward for the head of the Saint, displaying it as a trophy during the banquet on a silver platter. In Flemish circles, the Feast of Herod was a theme that was perfectly suited to display Baroque sumptuousness, distinguished by attention to luxurious details, costumes and the psychological tension of the guests: the great master Peter Paul Rubens (Siegen 1577- Antwerp 1640) created around 1635 a masterful version of it, which we can admire today at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh (inv./cat.no NG 2193, https://www.nationalgalleries.org/art-and-artists/5382). The painting, commissioned by the wealthy Flemish merchant and art collector, Gaspar Roomer, who lived between Naples and Antwerp for work, had an enormous influence on European painting, striking the most illustrious European collectors for its strong narrative tension. The painting was therefore immediately enormously successful, so much so that there are several replicas and copies, present in private collections and public collections: our work, for example, is to be considered a qualitative version made by an author from his workshop. It should be considered that Rubens was one of the most influential Flemish authors in the 17th century, and his studio in Antwerp was notoriously well organised with countless assistants and pupils who played different roles in the production of his works working for courts and patrons throughout Europe. Similar copies: - Peter Paul Rubens, The Feast of Herod, Museum of Fine Arts, Budapest. - Peter Paul Rubens (follower), The Feast of Herod, Birmingham Museums Trust https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/the-feast-of-herod-33222 - Peter Paul Rubens (follower), The Feast of Herod, Musée national de Varsovie, M.Ob.1460 MNW https://cyfrowe.mnw.art.pl/en/catalog/442186 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The painting is sold complete with an antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card. We take care of and organise the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/