Orpheus charming the animals. Dutch school circa 1650

17th century

Oil on oak panel
Presented in a sober molded and blackened wood frame
Total dimensions: 60 x 80 cm. Panel: 42 x 62.5 cm

Our painting depicts Orpheus with a musical instrument, the lyre he received from Apollo. With his song and music, he charmed gods and mortals alike, and tamed animals, even wild beasts...

Orpheus charming animals was a frequent theme in Western art during the 16th and 17th centuries.
Here, the painter shows us a large landscape with a profusion of beautiful nature. In the center is a clearing with all manner of animals, both domesticated and wild, such as this elephant and lion.
The scene depicted gives an impression of peace and harmony: the animals are not afraid of each other, and are under the spell of the music of the great legendary Greek poet, inspired by the Muses and Apollo. Orpheus, dressed in antique costume, is seated under a large tree, as if for a concert.
On the right, the seven Bacchae form a circle, seemingly derived from the group in Guido Reni's 1613 painting "Apollo's Chariot".
The animals, meanwhile, are reminiscent of scenes from "Paradise" by Flemish painter Roelant Savery.
For the moment, we have been unable to identify a specific painter, but this one must be from the Netherlands, with a dual Flemish-Italian influence.

Good condition.