"Wedding of Tethys and Peleus". Oil on canvas. School of Madrid, 17th century. Corte, Juan de la (Antwerp, circa 1585 - Madrid, 1662) circle.
This work describes the weddings of the Nereid Thetis and the prince Peleo, parents of Achilles. It was celebrated on Mount Pelion, and all the deities came, although Eris, the goddess of discord, was not invited. In revenge, she threw a golden apple in which she said "for the most beautiful", that caused the dispute between Athena, Aphrodite and Hera that led to the Trial of Paris, to finally bring about the Trojan War. The banquet is depicted with a composition worked in depth, located in a rich interior of classical architecture illuminated by the light of Apollo, which is situated at the far end of the viewer. At the head of the table, in the foreground, appears Zeus, accompanied by the eagle and Hera, queen of the gods, to his left. In the lower right corner we see a group of satyrs serving the wine, accompanied by rich metal vessels worked with a detailed and descriptive brushstroke. The rest of the gods appear clearly differentiated, with Athena in the foreground to the right and, following an agile rhythm in zigzag, typically baroque, Aphrodite with Eros, Hermes and the grooms, to the left, and to the right Poseidon. Formally it is a work perfectly framed within the 17th century school of Madrid, developed around the court.
Thus, we see a sumptuous, allegorical classicist baroque, where the studies of light and color are especially relevant, revealing the exalted and luminous tone typical of this school's maturity. In particular, we can relate this painting to the circle of Juan de la Corte, painter of Flemish origin. We know nothing of his first formation today, for Palomino's assertion of his birth in Spain was documented, quoting in his testament that he was born in Antwerp. Also conserved documents in which the painter declares his apprenticeship in Flanders, where "it exerted his office by many years". For all this he has been associated with Flemish artists of the time who, due to personal knowledge or the study of his works, strongly influenced the configuration of his personal language. We know of his establishment in Spain at least since 1613. His work at the court encouraged him to ask for the place of royal painter who left vacant Bartolomé González...
Category
17th Century Baroque Antique Spanish Paintings
