Guardhouse, Anthony Palamedesz (Delft 1601 - Amsterdam 1673) signed and dated

Anthony Palamedesz (Delft 1601 - Amsterdam 1673) - signed and dated Guardhouse with trumpeter Oil on panel (42 x 54 cm. - Framed 55 x 67 cm.) Signature: lower left ‘f Palamedes 163..’ Authentication: Expertise Dr. R. Colace Provenance: Sotheby's, Amsterdam, November 14, 2006, Estimate: 8,000-12,000 EUR, Sold: 10,000 EUR (link) Full details (click HERE) The scene depicted in the proposed painting belongs to a popular artistic subject during the Dutch Golden Age, known in Dutch inventories as "Kortegaertges," derived from the French "corps de garde," meaning guardhouse. These are lively and picturesque scenes of soldiers and city guards captured in their daily activities. In this case, the work is a marvelous composition attributed to Anthonie Palamedesz (Delft 1601 - Amsterdam 1673), signed and accompanied by a study by art historian Raffaella Colace, further confirming this attribution. Unlike similar genre paintings by contemporary artists, Palamedesz's works are always imbued with great elegance. They do not depict vivandières and prostitutes, but rather elegant women, likely officers' wives, caring for their children. In our beautiful painting, two soldiers are depicted in a moment of rest and reflection. The first is seated, holding a baton, awaiting a servant to bring him a drum, while the other, standing, is already playing a trumpet. It is worth remembering that in 17th-century Netherlands, armies used trumpeters and drummers for their military music, providing rhythm for marches, signals, and announcements. They played a fundamental role in military tradition. Didactic themes can also be found in these representations. Soldiers depicted at rest often engage in pastimes associated with moral weakness, such as gambling, smoking, and drinking wine. Palamedesz modifies this standard by introducing an additional key figure in the painting's message: a woman holding a child. He was unique among painters in portraying women in these scenes as mothers, rather than as women of loose morals. The painter thus sought to contrast the figure of the soldier-warrior, the archetype of the male world, with the female archetype personified by the mother. The worlds of war and peace also intersect in his works: the trumpeter calling to military duty is a figure of Mars, while the unaware woman caring for her child is a figure of Venus, domesticating him. Anthonie Palamedesz tackled this theme countless times and in many variations, some of which are now in prestigious international collections. Our painting can be compared, especially in subject matter, with the painting in the National Museum of Krakow, Poland (inv.nr. DMNKCz 122) (link: https://rkd.nl/images/211456). In particular, the figure of the soldier playing the trumpet is almost a signature element of his works, found in numerous instances. Among these is the painting titled 'An Officer Playing a Trumpet to a Mother and Child in a Guardroom' (Christie's, London, April 28, 2006, Lot 49, oil on panel, 46.7 x 62.9 cm.), which features the same trumpeter (https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-4697167?ldp_breadcrumb=back). ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The images were taken using a professional photo set and lighting. The painting may appear slightly darker if not adequately illuminated. The work is sold with a pleasing antique 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. It is also possible to view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda. We would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of artworks. Please contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us on: https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/