Cheerful company in an interior

oil on canvas
60 x 82 cm, framed 81 x 104 cm.

The scene that we see depicted in the proposed painting is part of a much appreciated pictorial subject during the golden age of Flemish art, called the 'Merry companies', where a group of men and women, often sumptuously dressed, rejoiced in a festive atmosphere intent on playing, drinking and making music, that is the most typical pastimes of the upper middle class.

In our case it is unquestionably a marvelous work from the workshop of Anthonie Palamedesz (Delft 1601 - Amsterdam 1673), a master in the representation of everyday life scenes. The incredible compositional elegance with which the work is created suggests that the execution was entrusted to one of his closest collaborators. The figures come to life thanks to the brush and the simple gestures of the characters become somewhat sophisticated, shaped by a masterful brightness.

Let's now go into the details of our fascinating interior, which at first glance would seem to be an apparently elegant party among wealthy young people: the image exudes an aura of calm and finesse, presenting an idealistic and predominantly positive vision of the festive activities depicted.

However, as Flemish art often teaches us, appearance must not deceive the observer and therefore, if the entire composition is carefully observed, it is possible to detect the true nature of the subject, and to see all the clues that allow us to recognize a scene from a brothel.

The festive air that transpires from the painting brings with it a certain erotic subtext, in fact it does not seem to simply celebrate the pleasures of sociality, with the four couples exchanging attentions and conversing intimately.

Note the details of the large canopied bed on the right side of the painting, and above all the presence of the old mizzen who watches the scene (whose hag features are specially emphasized), with a carafe of wine in her hand to ensure that the participants always have their glasses full.

It is not unusual, in fact, for this type of representation the close connection between drunkenness and sensual pleasures, with men courting their respective ladies, inducing them to drink by handing glasses of wine.

There is certainly no shortage of ironic aspects, such as the dog, which traditionally represents the reason for marital fidelity, asleep on the ground in the central part.

Painter Anthonie Palamedesz painted more of these gallant companies with musicians playing, dancing and drinking. Our painting can be compared, especially for the ambiguous subject depicted, with the painting from the Hallwyl Museum in Stockholm (link: https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/qwGB4QrB3flWEw)

Furthermore, for comparison, see:

Allegra Compagnia, Städelsches Kunstinstitut, Frankfurt

Allegra Compagnia, Städelsches Kunstinstitut, Frankfurt

Company that dines making music, Mauritshuis, The Hague

Festive scene with music Wallraf-Richartz-Museum, Cologne

Elegant company in an interior, Private Collection

Cheerful company in a room, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

His work is also present at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Louvre in Paris, the Hermitage in St Petersburg, the Boijmans-Van Beuningen Museum in Rotterdam, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

The painting is in good condition, has been well preserved and is complemented by a beautiful antique gilded wooden frame.

The painting is sold together with a certificate of authenticity (FIMA)