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« Mirror of the soul » Faces through paintings the XVIth to XVIIIth centuries From November 10th, 1999, to February 20th, 2000 |
Utrecht, 1602 - Utrecht, 1634
Narcissus
Oil on canvas
76 x 63 cm
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| Johannes
MOREELSE Utrecht, 1602 - Utrecht, 1634 Narcissus Oil on canvas 76 x 63 cm |
Johannes Moreelse, the son and apprentice of the painter Paulus Moreelse (1571-1638), travelled to Italy in about 1620. On his return to Utrecht, he continued to paint in his father's workshop, which explains why so few works bear his own signature. Narcissus, contemplating his reflection in the water, is reminiscent of Caravaggio's treatment of the same theme (as seen in the 'Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica' in Rome); Moreelse was fascinated by the Italian painter's work. This painting is one of a small number that can be definitely attributed to Moreelse and is representative of the artist's originality: the use of the half-figure and the cold colours, such as the greys, greens and whites, are in perfect harmony with the figure of the young boy. |
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