The Banquet Of Belshazzar, Frans Francken II (antwerp, 1581–1642) Workshop/circle

Frans Francken II (Antwerp, 1581–1642) workshop/circle
The Banquet of Belshazzar

Oil on canvas

98 x 115 cm
In frame 121.5 x 141.5 cm

Full details of the work (click HERE)

The painting, which shows us a sumptuous banquet set in the hall of a luxurious palace, depicts the biblical episode in which the Babylonian king Belshazzar, who lived in the 6th century, had the gold and silver vessels stolen from the Temple in Jerusalem brought to him to drink from with his more than a thousand dignitaries, wives and concubines (Bible, chapter 5, Book of Daniel).

Suddenly, in the middle of the feast, a blinding light appeared - evoked here by the rays coming from the large candelabra in the centre - and a mysterious hand engraved three incomprehensible words on the wall of the palace: “Mane, Thecel, Phares” (literally “I count, I weigh, I divide”).

The court soothsayers were unable to interpret them, but the prophet Daniel, who was attending the banquet near the King, revealed that those words were God's negative judgement on Belshazzar and foreshadowed the imminent end of his reign (that same night, the sovereign was killed and the Babylonian kingdom divided between the Medes and Persians).

In particular, Daniel interpreted the individual words as follows: ‘Mane - God has counted your kingdom and brought it to an end’, ‘Tèchel, you have been weighed on the scales and found wanting’, ‘Phares, your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians’ (Daniel 5:1-30).

The work, a valuable testimony to the descriptive richness typical of 17th-century Flemish masters, can be attributed in terms of style and compositional choices to the prolific workshop of Frans Francken (Antwerp 1581 - 1642), who loved to revisit biblical themes in his works, particularly the great banquets of history (the wedding of Esther and Ahasuerus, Herod's banquet, Lazarus' banquet...), which offered him the opportunity to give space to his strong narrative propensity.

Following in his father's footsteps, Frans Francken II is considered the true protagonist of the family line, the one who transformed the family workshop into a production centre known throughout Europe. It should be added that he was surrounded by talented assistants, often members of his family, and that his sons continued the business, varying little from the compositions already widely experimented with.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The painting is sold complete with an antique frame and comes with a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic card.

We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both in Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers.

If you would like to see this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you!

Please contact us for any information or to arrange a visit, we will be happy to assist you.

Follow us on:

https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/