Homage To Ceres. Louis De Caullery & Workshop (antwerp 1580-1621)

**This painting can be paired with the homage to VenusOil on oak panel (one board only)Presented in an antique Flemish frame, in blackened and heavily molded wood, with an inverted profile.Overall dimensions: 58 x 47 cm. The panel alone: 36 x 26 cmHomage to Ceres. Goddess of wheat and fertile earth, a nurturing figure, linked to agricultural life, the changing seasons and resurrection. In Antiquity, the cult of wheat was crucial for the survival of Mediterranean populations, which gives Demeter a prime importance - (Ceres among the Romans). Her attributes are notably the ears of wheat. A rare painter, Louis de Caullery (1580-1621), was one of the pioneers of gallant meetings in 17th century Flemish painting. Louis de Caullery was probably born in the village of Caullery near Cambrai (then Spanish Netherlands), he moved to Antwerp at a young age in 1594 where he was probably a pupil of Frans Francken the Elder and Joos de Momper, following this training, he was recognized as a master of the Guild of Saint Luke of Antwerp in 1602. The date of his trip to Italy cannot be determined precisely, his works prove that he nevertheless resided in Venice, Florence and Rome and that he met Adam Elsheimer and Annibale there Carracci and that he frequented Caravaggio and Rubens. It is thought that he returned to Antwerp between 1605 and 1610. This artist distinguished himself in genre painting and treated a wide variety of scenes: carnival on ice, fireworks, bullfights, allegories of the five senses, and gallant meetings in the spirit of the Fontainebleau school. His technique for painting his figures, their postures, smooth faces with a bare forehead are characteristic of his style. Under the influence of the Italian masters, his colors are very sophisticated (his palette is an innovation in Flanders) half-tones of yellow ochre, Veronese green, red Burgundy. His representation of buildings shows that he is concerned with precision, while being very skillful in representing perspectives. His religious painting shows us scenes whose atmosphere he has the gift of de-dramatizing through the casual and comical attitude of his figures. Beautiful state of preservation. Sold with a certificate.