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Image Not Available for Allegory of the Good Government of the City of Antwerp
Allegory of the Good Government of the City of Antwerp
Image Not Available for Allegory of the Good Government of the City of Antwerp

Allegory of the Good Government of the City of Antwerp

Alternate title
  • Allegory of Antwerp
Artist Theodoor Van Thulden Flemish, 1606 - 1669
Date1625-1669
Period17th century
Classification(s)
Object TypePainting
Registration NumberFAS/P/189
DescriptionThe largest canvas at MUŻA is this ‘Allegory of the Good Government of the City of Antwerp’ by the Flemish Baroque painter, Theodoor van Thulden. The attributes of mythological figures are ascribed in praise to the city of Antwerp. Fame sounds her trumpet while the Gorgon lies defeated at the feet of Chronos who personifies time. Demetre, goddess of agriculture and fertility, holding a Cornucopia of fruit and crops, is accompanied by Mercury, god of commerce. Amaltheia, with another Horn of Plenty overflowing with gold and riches, lifts the veil to reveal a personification of Antwerp in all her beauty and splendour. A river god, representing the waters of Antwerp’s large and busy harbour, observes the putti playing. A beautiful and noble peacock sits high on the rocks on the right. This painting is from Van Thulden’s middle period showing the impact of Peter Paul Rubens with whom he collaborated. It is possibly a commission from his time in Antwerp.Material
Oil on canvas
Technique
Oil on canvas
Dimensions305 x 383 cmProvenanceDonated by Mrs Salvina Zahra of New York in 1964.
Alternate ID Numbers
  • Inventory Card 197-8
  • Inventory Card 197-8
  • HM Object Number 51201
Online Collections
Public Access
On view
MuseumMUŻA
Location
  •   MUŻA, Reserve Collection
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