Johannes Natus Attributed It To "a Moment Of Courtesy"

Attributed to Johannes Natus. Oil on panel, "A Moment of Courtesy," unsigned. Bears a collector's wax seal on the back of the panel, the identity of which is yet to be determined. 34.1 x 26.5 cm. Dutch School. Johannes Natus (active c. 1658–1670) joined the Middelburg Guild (Dutch Netherlands) in 1662. This painting is a perfect example of the Dutch Golden Age genre painting tradition. While the subject is an allegory of taste, the symbolism of temptation is evident, inevitably leading us to reflect on the vanity and fleeting nature of carnal pleasures. Natus was known for the austerity of his almost minimalist settings, most often depicting bare walls in the background of his compositions, as if to better emphasize the spiritual void in the face of the display of material pleasures. The young lady's feathered hat, the glass of wine ostentatiously held by the gallant gentleman, and the cake swiftly served by a devoted maid are, in the end, quite modest compared to the standards of modern consumption. Vanity of vanities, all is vanity. Modern painted wooden frame. Good condition. 3200 euros.