Elegant company in an interior

(or “Self-portrait with his family”)

Oil on canvas

50 x 41 cm.

In a beautiful frame 80 x 72 cm.

This painting belongs to a genre much appreciated by collectors of Flemish painting from the “Golden Age”, which focuses on the family intimacy that was created within the wealthy homes of the bourgeoisie of the time, in settings overflowing with ornamental details.

The genius and success of these images lies in their ability to capture, like a photograph, a particular moment in everyday domestic life, through skilful painting that draws on great attention to detail and the play of light.

Our work, in particular, is based on a famous composition by the great Flemish painter Frans van Mieris (Leiden 1635 - Leiden 1681), who, in 1675, depicted himself in a sumptuous drawing room. The painting is now kept at the Palatine Gallery of the Uffizi in Florence (https://rkd.nl/images/251443) **.

Considered a masterpiece by the artist, even by ancient sources, the painting had a very long and interesting history: commissioned by Cosimo III de' Medici, a great patron and collector of Flemish works, in January 1674, after countless reminders from the client, it was completed by van Mieris only the following year and sold for the enormous sum of 2,500 florins.

The group of figures includes the painter's self-portrait: his features are easily recognisable in the gentleman in the background dressed in a black velvet cloak, while the other figures, according to many critics, could be members of his family, gathered for a concert in a wealthy stately home.

The two women in the foreground, with their sumptuous dresses in satin, velvet and precious furs, could be recognised as his wife and daughter: the former is holding a lute, while the latter is seated, savouring wine from a crystal goblet that a boy, perhaps her son, has just brought her.

In the artist's typical style, we are presented with a refined work, capable of creating a surprising atmosphere, immediately transporting us back in time to the Golden Age of the Netherlands.

It is the small details that make the difference, making each of his works unique, from the golden angel with bow and quiver hanging from the ceiling to the little dog in the arms of the woman in the foreground, the column surmounted by an entablature carved with a classical relief. And then there is the table on the right covered with a green velvet cloth on which a tray of fruit is resting, while a little monkey is munching on a few pieces.

** Frans van Mieris the Elder, Elegant Company in an Interior

1635-1681, Oil on panel, 52x40

Uffizi Gallery, Rembrandt and 17th-century Flemish Room

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The work is sold complete with an attractive wooden frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.

We take care of and organise the transport of purchased works, both in Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

It is also possible to view the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda, where we will be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.

Please feel free to contact us for any further information.

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