Westcoast Fine Art has dated this Baroque Mythological Oil Painting to the 18th Century.
Title: Perseus Freeing Andromeda
Period: Early 18th century
Medium: Oil on panel
Measurements: 133cm x 91cm x 4 cm framed and the painting measured at 117cm x 75cm
The present work is after the painting by Rubens of c. 1638-9 in the Gemäldegalerie der Staatliche Museum, Berlin-Dahlem. It depicts the Andromeda myth, derived from Ovid's account in the 'Metamorphoses’.
Since only Andromeda’s sacrifice would appease the gods, she was chained to a rock and left to be devoured by the monster. Perseus, returning from slaying Medusa, encountered Andromeda chained to a rock and after agreeing to free her in exchange for her hand in marriage, defeated the monster and rescued her. The slain monster is lying on the left.
Peter Paul Rubens was a Flemish artist who is renowned for the paintings and drawings he created in a Baroque style in the early decades of the 17th century. He received a humanist education and studied under the late Mannerist artists Adam van Noort and Otto van Veen. He finished his apprenticeship in 1598 and started his career as an independent master. He lived in Italy for nine years (1600-1609), where he was influenced by Titian, whose impact is reflected in such works as 'The Fall of Man' (1628-29).
After his return to Antwerp, Rubens lived and worked there until 1622, when he was called to Paris to create works for the Luxembourg Palace. He subsequently travelled to Spain and England where his diplomatic services were highly appreciated. Gout-ridden he died in Antwerp. He is classified as a representative of a style that emphasized movement, colour and sensuality. Rubens is known for his Counter-Reformation altarpieces, portraits, landscapes and history paintings that are characterized by mythology and allegory.
Condition report: The panel has been joined at some stage in its 200-250 year history. There is a vertical hairline which is very slight and a few areas of infill repair work for old paint loss with well -blended retouching. The painting has been recently cleaned and relacquered. The painting retains strong tonality. The paint surface is stable. The traditional period style frame has been commissioned for the painting and is brand new.
Westcoast Fine Art has dated this Baroque Mythological Oil Painting to the 18th Century.
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Perseus Freeing Andromeda, Follower of Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640)
