Peter Sion

The Rape of Europa, signed Peter Sion (1624-1695), Antwerp, 17th century

Allegory of summer, personified by Ceres Workshop of Hendrick Van Balen Antwerp School, early 17th century. Oil on copper, Dimensions: h. 54 cm, l. 40cm Ebonised wood frame with moulded and guilloché decoration. Framed dimensions: h. 80 cm, l. 66 cm Very good condition This finely executed oil on copper belongs to the rich tradition of allegorical and mythological painting that flourished in Antwerp during the early seventeenth century. Hendrick van Balen and Jan Brueghel the Younger were among the leading exponents of this artistic genre, whose workshops produced numerous compositions depicting the Seasons, the Elements, the Senses, and the gods of Olympus, set within luxuriant landscapes populated by animals and mythological figures. At the centre of a verdant landscape dominated by a flourishing apple tree stands Ceres, the Roman goddess of the Earth, agriculture, and the harvest. Partially draped in a flowing blue garment, she wears a crown of wheat ears, her traditional attribute. In her right hand she holds a sickle and carries sheaves of wheat, symbols of fertility and abundance. Beside her, a nymph presents a cornucopia while playful putti gather and offer flowers. The foreground celebrates the bounty of summer through an abundant still life composed of figs, cherries, apples, and lemons. A squirrel nibbling cherries symbolizes diligence and foresight, virtues echoed by the harvesters working in the wheat fields visible in the distance. The background unfolds in a profusion of vegetation: to the right, a wild rose bush rises against the trunk of a tree, while the centre is animated by majestic trees with silvery-green foliage. The artist, likely a pupil or close follower of Hendrick van Balen, draws direct inspiration from the master's repertoire. The nymph in the yellow drapery seen from behind—a recurring figure in Van Balen’s compositions—is a particularly telling example. The graceful gestures, luminous flesh tones, and wind-swept draperies further reflect the master's distinctive style. The influence of Jan Brueghel the Younger can be seen in the meticulous rendering of the trees, flowers—particularly wild roses and tulips—and in the richly detailed still life with animals in the foreground. Throughout Europe, there was considerable demand for these virtuoso compositions, in which mythological figures served as a pretext for the refined depiction of nature and its abundance. This painting is a charming and accomplished example of that tradition, combining elegant storytelling, technical refinement, and rich iconographic content. Hendrick Van Balen, Flemish painter, born and died in Antwerp (1575-1632). A student of Adam Van Noort, he entered the guild of Saint-Luc in 1593, later trained in Italy and was Van Dyck's first master. He often painted small characters taken from scenes from the Bible or classical mythology, on paintings in which Josse de Momper...

LANDSCAPE WITH FLIGHT TO EGYPT, JASPER VAN DER LANEN (ANTWERP, 1585 - 1634) 17TH CENTURY FLEMISH SCHOOL ANTWERP CIRCA 1630 Oil on copper, dimensions: h. 10.23 in, w. 14.96 in Flemish style frame in ebonized wood adorned with wavy moldings and wood veneer. Framed dimensions: h. 17.32 in, w. 21.65 in This artwork is sold with a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing its origin, date of execution, and attribution to the artist. Provenance: Philips auction...

Workshop of Jan Brueghel the Younger (1601-1678) & Hendrick van Balen (Antwerp, 1575 – 1632) 17th century Antwerp School The Virgin and Child ...

The Triumph of the Infant Bacchus, Workshop of Hendrick Van Balen (1575-1632) Antwerp, c.1630 Oil on copper, h. 28 cm (11.02 in), w. 35 cm (13.78 in) A large Roman 17th century golden painted frame Framed: h. 52 cm (20.47 in.), w. 58 cm (22.83 in) This artwork is sold with a certificate of authenticity guaranteeing its origin, date of execution, and attribution to the artist. Our finely painted work depicts The Triumph of the Bacchus as a young boy and is one of the most popular mythological subjects in Antwerp at the beginning of the 17th century. Feasting, wine and fun are the themes that constantly appeal to the public. Thus unfolds before our eyes on our painting the procession composed of nymphs, baccantes, fauns, satyrs and children, their bodies naked, partially covered with brightly coloured draperies that help to brighten up the parade. Playing various instruments, dancing and drinking, while carrying vases and poles adorned with grapevines, participants to the rhythm of a noisy brass band make their way to an ancient temple standing on the right. The exaggerated gestures convey to us the frenzy of the excited crowd. The Child Bacchus follows the joyous procession, carried by satyrs and nymphs, crowned with ivy and joyfully raising a cup of wine. In the foreground, the drunken participants leave the procession, the children on the left and the group of bacchantes and satyrs on the right are resting among various objects scattered at their feet: cups, vases, ewers bear witness to the festivities in progress. In the background, a hilly landscape stretches out on the horizon, a semblance of calm that contrasts with the bustle of the foreground. The artist strives to multiply the many details, whether it be figures, costumes, flowers or vegetation, in order to demonstrate his know-how and the perfection of his execution. The acidulous palette with fresh and varied colours is characteristic of Hendrick Van Balen's works. There are several versions identical to ours with similar dimensions painted by Hendrick Van Balen and his workshop. Related works: • Koller Auction, Zurich, 21/09/2007, oil on copper, 28,5 x 37,4 cm. • Staatliche Kunsthalle, Karlsruhe, Inv. N° 809 (oil on copper, 40 x 53,5 cm) • Auktionshaus für Altertümer Glückselig, Vienne, 10/05/1932, ( oil on copper, 34 x 42 cm) • Gemäldegalerie of Pommersfelden, Schloss Weissenstein, oil on panel, 47 x 64 cm Hendrick Van Balen, Flemish painter, born and died in Antwerp (1575-1632). A pupil of Adam Van Noort, he entered the Guild of St. Luke in 1593, later trained in Italy and was Van Dyck's first teacher. He often painted small figures taken from scenes from the Bible or classical mythology, on paintings whose backgrounds and landscapes were painted by Josse de Momper...

The Rape of Europa Circle of Paolo De Matteis (Piano Vetrale, 1662 - Naples, 1728) oil on canvas (cm.) 57 x 98 - with gilded wooden frame 77 x 118 cm. FULL DETAILS OF THE PAIN...

An elegant 18th-century oil on canvas depicting a classical mythological scene, attributed to the circle of Georg Engelhard Schröder. The composition features Venus accompanied by Cu...

Gérard de Lairesse (Liège 1641 - Amsterdam 1711) workshop The Myth of Apollo and Issa (from Ovid, Metamorphoses, book VI, 122-124) Oil on canvas 65 x 82 cm. - Framed 84 x 99 cm...

Felice Torelli (Verona, Italy, 1667 - Bologna, Italy, 1748) Title: Hagar and the Angel Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: without frame 41 x 116 cm - wit...