Pair Of Antique Flemish Paintings, 17th Century – Cornelius Galle (flemish School/painting)

Description

These panels depict two allegories representing the discovery and mastery of fire. The putto kindling a fire by means of a ray of light descending from the heavens is associated with a leafless tree and a barren landscape (symbols of decline and desolation) whereas the putto who has captured fire in an oil lamp is accompanied by a flourishing tree, an architectural pedestal, and a city in the distance below (all symbols of progress and development). Fire, as an emblem of knowledge, is thus directly linked here to human advancement and civilisation.

These panels should be considered in relation to the numerous emblematic illustrations produced by Cornelis Galle the Elder for the book by Jean Bolland (1596–1665) commemorating the centenary of the apostolic activity of the Society of Jesus in Flanders, Imago Primi Saeculi Societatis Iesu (1640).

Condition

These two wood panels have been mounted onto backing boards, on the reverse of which an old handwritten note in brown ink bears the name “Galle.” The colours are slightly affected by surface dirt in places but remain luminous overall. On the panel depicting the allegory of the mastery of fire, small losses and abrasions are visible in the sky and in the distant cityscape, though they do not impair the readability of the composition. Under raking light, a few cracks can be seen on the architectural pedestal. Small traces of gilded paint are visible in places (particularly along the edges of the panels) resulting from an earlier mounting. No restorations are evident.