The Feast Of Balthazar. 17th Century Flemish School

Oil on copper placed on a panel. Presented in a Flemish-style frame in blackened wood and reverse profile. Total dimensions: 71 x 87 cm. Copper alone: 54 x 71 cm This precious painting, painted on a large copper, is to be placed in the circle of the Antwerp painter Frans II Francken (1541-1642) who made a specialty and a European reputation by producing small and medium-sized paintings illustrating religious, mythological or historical scenes. Our painting "Balthasar's Feast" is a variation on one of his compositions, of which several different versions are known. The episode of Balthasar's feast serves as a pretext for the staging of a rich and sumptuous Flemish banquet reminiscent of the works of Brueghel, the emphasis being placed both on the sumptuousness of the costumes and the richness of the banquet's ornaments. The scene takes place in a reception room decorated according to the fashions of the late 16th century: hangings on the high walls, an espalier dresser and in the foreground, jugs of wine in a very refined copperware cooler. And on another table, a poultry pie topped with a reconstructed swan. A way to multiply the figures with precious elegance, pseudo-oriental costumes and delicate headdresses. This work that we present to you, testifies to the great talent of Frans II Francken and his workshop to create scenes of theatrical and legendary appearance. This image, with its strong expressive potential, was very popular at the end of the 16th and beginning of the 17th century, as evidenced by the number of paintings on this subject preserved in French or foreign museums. Under a velvet canopy, Balthazar king of Babylon is seated at the head of the table, in front of his guests. Wearing an oriental turban, he presides over the banquet that he ordered by inviting a large number of dignitaries of his kingdom. While it is sacred, the gold tableware of the temple of Jerusalem is used. While the guests feast, a supernatural hand inscribes in luminous letters on the back wall: MANE TETEL FARES, a mysterious formula that only the young prophet Daniel will be able to interpret. This signifies that the king's days have been numbered, his soul weighed, and that his kingdom will be divided... Good condition. Sold with certificate.