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| Simon de VOS Anvers, 1603 - Anvers, 1676 Elegant company at a terrace Oil on copper Signed and dated at lower left: “Simon . De . Vos . In. et. F. / 16.39” 46,2 x 64,5 cm |
| This lively genre painting shows the light, nimble work that is typical of the early years of Simon de Vos’ career. His highly skillful technique can be compared to that of Frans Francken or Jan Liss. His talent became apparent early on; he was taught in the studio of Cornelis de Vos (although they were not related) and became a member of the guild of Antwerp at the tender age of seventeen, in 1620. His style is attractive, being light-hearted and refined and is similar in some aspects to the work of Claude Vignon. The frivolity of de Vos’ painting announces sometimes the lightness of the rococo movement in the eighteenth century. This painting is both a scène galante and an allegory of earthly pleasures. The three couples, lavishly dressed and beautifully bejewelled, are surrounded with symbols of love, from the playing cards to the parrot, who’s knowing gaze is similar to that of the Cupid on the fountain. Finally the plump oysters, a well-know aphrodisiac at the time, adds further eroticism to this elegant scene. This work, a veritable aesthetic pleasure, is a superb demonstration of the virtuosity of Simon de Vos: the same realistic precision is evident in his representation of a delicate bouquet of flowers, a richly set table and the splendid costumes of the figures, with their joyful gestures and expressions. |
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