Attributed to Louis De Caullery (1582 - 1621) - Banquet With Venus

Delightful scene of a galant meeting taking place in a castle park, where many guests are feasting in the presence of the goddess of love Venus.
The elegant company is seated in the shade of the trees enjoying wine, delicious food and music. To the sounds of violins and lute is added the trickling of a fountain.
Elegant and richly dressed figures in Renaissance fashion receive a guest of honor Venus with her son Love at her feet. The goddess is depicted unclothed, partially covered with a large pink mantle.
The presence of the ancient deity supports the theme of the painting which is courtly love.
This subject derives from the medieval iconography of the "love garden" type and is taken up again and made fashionable by the Antwerp painters of the genre (Sebastien Vrancx, David Vinckboons and Louis de Caullery): the galant assemblies made up exclusively of the upper middle class celebrate love and the joy of living.
The acidic palette with intense pinks and all shades of green, the numerous small figures meticulously executed, the vibrant rendering of costumes, all these characteristics are specific to the works of Louis de Caullery, who likes to depict small elegant figures richly dressed in lush landscapes or rich palace interiors.
Related works:
- Scène galante, Christie's Amsterdam, November 5, 2003, oil on panel (50 x 42 cm)
- Figures in a Garden by the Canal, Christie's New-York, January 26, 2005 (54 x 74.9 cm)
- Homage to Venus, Sotheby's New York, June 6, 2012, oil on panel (33,7 x 44,5 cm)