An allegory of War - Jan van Kessel I & Abraham Willemsens

Oil on copper

Traces of monogram lower left.

We like to thank Dr. Fred Meijer for his advice.

In the collaborative artwork by Jan van Kessel and Abraham Willemsens, a vivid and intricate scene unfolds before the viewer, capturing the chaos and conflict of a tumultuous era. The painting is a rich tapestry of elements, each contributing to the overall narrative and symbolism.
At the forefront of the composition, weapons are strewn haphazardly across the ground, telling a tale of warfare and discord. Insects, rendered with astonishing detail, crawl among the discarded arms.
Moving towards the background, cannons and cannonballs loom ominously, signifying the destructive power of war. Armory and drums on the left side evoke the martial rhythms of conflict, underscoring the tension and impending danger. Meanwhile, two putti engage in a struggle on the right side of the canvas, one poised to strike the other. A woman seated nearby gazes upward in sorrow, surrounded by toolson a table—scissors, pliers, and a saw.
Adjacent to the woman's table lies a painting on the ground, depicting Christ being crowned by thorns. This religious imagery adds a layer of depth to the narrative.
In the distant background, a fortified city erupts in flames, engulfed in the chaos of war. A marching army breaches its gates, completing the narrative of conflict and destruction. Above, large birds, including a stork, soar in the sky, possibly serving as harbingers of both death and renewal