Aristotle And Phyllis, Bartholomäus Spranger (antwerp, 1546 – Prague, 1611) Workshop
Artist: Bartholomäus Spranger (anvers, 1546 – Prague, 1611) Atelier
Bartholomäus Spranger (Antwerp, 1546 – Prague, 1611) workshop
Aristotle and Phyllis
Oil on canvas
64 x 54 cm.
Framed 79 x 72 cm.
D25-075 €7,800 request information
The curious subject of this painting, quite common during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, draws inspiration from the medieval legend that tells how the philosopher Aristotle, known for his wisdom, was seduced and subdued by the young and beautiful Phyllis.
Despite his much-vaunted discipline, the great scholar fell so deeply in love with the girl that he became her laughingstock, here immortalized on his knees while she even straddles him, thus demonstrating the power of seduction over reason.
The story was interpreted as a warning about female power and the vulnerability of men, without distinction, even the wisest among them: it is therefore a sort of moralizing fable intended to warn against the pleasures of the flesh.
The iconography is based on a composition by Bartholomäus Spranger (Antwerp, 1546 – Prague, 1611), a leading exponent of European Mannerism and active at the Habsburg court in Prague, in the service of Emperor Rudolf II. The original painting, now lost, has been preserved thanks to Sadler’s engraving of it, which we present in the attached images.
From a stylistic perspective and considering the period, we can readily regard our work as a piece from his workshop or, more likely, by an artist from his inner circle, thus dating it to the very early decades of the 17th century.
Given Spranger’s role as the emperor’s trusted painter, it is hypothesized that this amusing illustration was created for the personal pleasure of Emperor Rudolf, a great patron and art collector but at the same time a lover of women, alluding to his weakness and thus to ironically warn him.
If even the learned Aristotle, whose erudition is evident from the books piled on the shelf, proved powerless in the face of feminine wiles, anyone—including the emperor—would have been justified in yielding to the temptations of the flesh.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is sold complete with a charming antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and arrange the shipping of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, through professional and insured carriers.
You can also view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.
Please feel free to contact us for any additional information.
Follow us on:
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
Aristotle and Phyllis
Oil on canvas
64 x 54 cm.
Framed 79 x 72 cm.
D25-075 €7,800 request information
The curious subject of this painting, quite common during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, draws inspiration from the medieval legend that tells how the philosopher Aristotle, known for his wisdom, was seduced and subdued by the young and beautiful Phyllis.
Despite his much-vaunted discipline, the great scholar fell so deeply in love with the girl that he became her laughingstock, here immortalized on his knees while she even straddles him, thus demonstrating the power of seduction over reason.
The story was interpreted as a warning about female power and the vulnerability of men, without distinction, even the wisest among them: it is therefore a sort of moralizing fable intended to warn against the pleasures of the flesh.
The iconography is based on a composition by Bartholomäus Spranger (Antwerp, 1546 – Prague, 1611), a leading exponent of European Mannerism and active at the Habsburg court in Prague, in the service of Emperor Rudolf II. The original painting, now lost, has been preserved thanks to Sadler’s engraving of it, which we present in the attached images.
From a stylistic perspective and considering the period, we can readily regard our work as a piece from his workshop or, more likely, by an artist from his inner circle, thus dating it to the very early decades of the 17th century.
Given Spranger’s role as the emperor’s trusted painter, it is hypothesized that this amusing illustration was created for the personal pleasure of Emperor Rudolf, a great patron and art collector but at the same time a lover of women, alluding to his weakness and thus to ironically warn him.
If even the learned Aristotle, whose erudition is evident from the books piled on the shelf, proved powerless in the face of feminine wiles, anyone—including the emperor—would have been justified in yielding to the temptations of the flesh.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
The work is sold complete with a charming antique frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.
We handle and arrange the shipping of purchased works, both within Italy and internationally, through professional and insured carriers.
You can also view the painting at our gallery in Riva del Garda; we would be delighted to welcome you and show you our collection of works.
Please feel free to contact us for any additional information.
Follow us on:
INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it
FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/
7 800 €
Period: 17th century
Style: Renaissance, Louis 13th
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Oil painting
Width: encadré 98 cm.
Height: encadré 76 cm.
Reference (ID): 1775907
Availability: In stock
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