/internal/media/dispatcher/47084/fullFAS/P/189Allegory of the Good Government of the City of AntwerpAllegory of AntwerpArt / Paintings17th century1625-166916251669Theodoor Van ThuldenTheodoor Van Thulden383.0000000000345.0000000000The 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.305.0000000000275.0000000000Donated by Mrs Salvina Zahra of New York in 1964.305 x 383 cmMUŻAMUŻA, Reserve Collection197-8197-8512011PaintingHeritage Malta3668Oil on canvasOil on canvas